MNTC launches Harbor Link toll road

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila North Tollways Corp., builder-concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), launched yesterday at the Philippine National Railways Data Center compound in Caloocan City, a P10.5-billion road project designed to ease travel in and out of Manila’s high density North Harbor area.

Actual construction of the project will commence this coming April and is expected to be completed in 2016. It is seen to accommodate some 30,000 vehicles daily.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson led top government officials in lowering the time capsule during the groundbreaking rites.

In his remarks, Abaya cited the MPIC Group’s implementation of big ticket infrastructure projects crucial to national development.

MNTC president Rodrigo Franco described the road project, called the North Harbor Link, as an “engineering marvel” because it would be built alongside an existing commuter rail facility.

Segment 10, the second and last part of the North Harbor Link, is seen to dramatically improve traffic flow in the North Harbor area, as well as to spur trade and commerce in the metropolis.

The other part of the Harbor Link is the 2.4-kilometer Segment 9 which is currently nearing completion and expected to be operational this July.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) Ramoncito Fernandez echoed the same optimism, saying Segment 10 “is a timely solution to trucks and cargo handlers and our LGUs (local government units) concern.”

“ The affected business can realize savings in transport and operational costs that will subsequently trickle down to the consumers in terms of lower prices of commodities,”  Fernandez said.

He also said Metro Pacific  steadfastly supports President Aquino’s infrastructure program. “Our modest target is to double the length of our country’s 300 plus-kilometer toll roads in five to eight years.”

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) president Jose Ma. Lim viewed the proposed  toll road project as a “important milestone with commercial significance,” adding that it would resolve once and for all the persistent truck ban issue that hampers trade.

“The Harbor Link is precisely what is needed to resolve the current impasse. Precious cargo need not face the unpredictable prospect of being banned from traversing certain roads at any time of day,” Lim stressed.