MNTC: P3 B available for NLEX-SLEX link

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — The Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) is ready to start the 16-kilometer stretch that will link the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), a project which President Arroyo cited in her recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The MNTC, according to its president, Jose de Jesus, is ready with P3 billion to finance the first six-kilometer extension of NLEX from Valenzuela City to C.P. Garcia Avenue in Quezon City.

He said the project includes another 10 kilometers from Garcia Avenue to Mindanao Avenue, where the tollway will link up with C-5 toward the SLEX.

The cost of this has yet to be determined pending the relocation of some 15,000 to 20,000 informal settlers to be affected by the project.

"The project connecting the NLEX and SLEX is covered by Phase 3 of the agreement between the MNTC and the government. The P18-billion upgrading of the NLEX from Balintawak to Sta. Ines (Mabalacat, Pampanga) comprised the first phase, while the second phase involved the eight-kilometer Subic-Tipo Road," De Jesus said.

He said the government first has to settle right-of-way problems before the 16-kilometer stretch connecting the NLEX with SLEX goes full-blast.

He said more funds for the 10-kilometer stretch to the SLEX would be readily available as soon as the affected areas are cleared of informal settlers and other impediments.

In her SONA, the President said Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte would help solve the right-of-way problems.

Some sectors have expressed doubts that the big infrastructure projects which the President cited could be accomplished since they require considerable funding.

De Jesus admitted that the government "will need a lot of money and will-power to clear that."

He cited estimates that some P18 billion is needed for clearing and relocation.

De Jesus said the MNTC is doing more studies whether the connecting toll road would have six or eight lanes.

"It will really depend on the expected volume of traffic there. We expect it to take time," he said.

De Jesus, however, said that while the MNTC would finance and manage the extension project, it would not take over the SLEX. — Ding Cervantes