2 NLEX-SLEX links viable - MPTC exec

Manila, Philippines -  The two tollways that will connect the North and South Luzon expressways are viable if the infrastructure will cater to different markets, a Metro Pacific official said.

Corporate competitors San Miguel and Metro Pacific have been asked by the government to discuss a common alignment of the toll roads.

“What we believe is the country can afford two connector roads that are serving different markets,” Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) president Ramoncito S. Fernandez said.

“Our connector road, since it is connected to the harbor, serves more the logistics part of business plus the people who travel through and through from north to south and vice versa,” he said.

Late last month, the government allowed two proposals to connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to proceed.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s project involves a 21-kilometer NLEX-SLEX connector that includes an eight-kilometer harbor link. The tollroad, which will have exits in Quirino, España and 5th Ave., will cost P35.3 billion.

Meanwhile, San Miguel-backed Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp. plans to build a 14-kilometer, six-lane elevated tollway parallel to the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) with eight exits. The project is worth P25.4 billion.

“Their market, from what I understand, is local travellers from one point to another point that is why they have eight interchanges,” Fernandez said.

Citra’s project will have exits in Buendia, Quirino, Plaza Dilao, Aurora Blvd., E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon Blvd., Sgt. Rivera and Balintawak.

Fernandez said there should be an immediate agreement on the common alignment of the two projects.

“We are being asked by the government to talk and agree on the common alignment.”

Furthermore, Fernandez said it is better for the government to mandate an integrated toll collection system for the convenience of motorists.

However, the MPTC denied reports that it is in talks with San Miguel for cross ownership of the projects.

It is only after MPTC successfully hurdles the Swiss challenge that the company can proceed with the project.

Fernandez said the awarding of the project is expected late this year.