MNTC allots P2 B for integration, expansion of north expressways

MALOLOS CITY ,Philippines  – The Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) is set to spend P2 billion for expansion, repairs and integration of expressways north of Manila this year.

MNTC, which holds the concession for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), won last year the concession for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and expects to operate it by next month.

“We are just waiting for the signature of the President,” said Rodrigo Franco, the president and CEO of the MNTC referring to President Benigno Aquino.

He said that aside from readiness to take over as new concession holder of the 94-kilometer SCTEX, they are also spending P300 million for its integration with the NLEX.

“We want a seamless connection between the NLEX and the SCTEX so that motorists will be more comfortable,” Franco said during a media appreciation party at Tomas Morato on Thursday night.

Franco also disclosed the opening of new interchange in Balagtas, Bulacan this March.

He said the Balagtas Interchange will reduce traffic volume at the Sta. Rita Interchange, and will hasten travel to eastern Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

For the said interchange, Franco said, they will spend another P100 million.

He said that MNTC will also spend P300 million for the repair and maintenance of the NLEX and another P1.6 billion for the first segment of the long delayed NLEX Harbor Link that will connect the expressway to Manila’s Port Area.

The first segment of the project will connect the existing NLEX Mindanao Ave. Link with the MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City. Franco said the government is now negotiating to acquire right of way.

Construction of the 2.42-kilometer NLEX to Macarthur Highway segment of the Harbor link will start by third quarter of this year. It is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2013.

The second segment is a the 5.6-kilometer southward expansion from the NLEX-MacArthur Highway segment to Letre Road in Malabon all the way to North Harbor.

When completed, the Harbor Link will decongest traffic along EDSA from Muñoz to Balintawak and to Monumento. It will also serve as alternative road for harbor bound cargo vehicles from Central and North Luzon.