By Paula C. Caliboso

Section 1 of NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project – a 5.15-kilometer (from C3 Road, Caloocan City to Espana Interchange) all elevated expressway, has finally reached its substantial completion on the first week of March 2023. From there, there were a slew of events leading up to its inauguration on March 27, 2023 and opening on March 29, 2023.

During the final inspection on March 1, 2023, which was led by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan together with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and CEO Rodrigo Franco and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista, it was announced that it will be opened to the public before Holy Week to help in traffic congestion. The inspection conducted was part of the regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists.

NLEX Corporation also invited Quezon City Asst City Administrator for Operations Albert Kimpo, District 1 Rep. Arjo Atayde, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, and Valenzuela City Councilor Recar Enriquez for a stakeholder’s tour on March 14, 2023.

Prior to its opening, NLEX Employees have been setting their respective tours to the project before its inauguration to the public.

During the inauguration on March 27, 2023, NLEX was proud to showcase a world-class expressway to the public. The inauguration was short and sweet, and was attended by national and local officials. After the inauguration, the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Section 1 was opened to the public on 12:01 AM of March 29,2023.

As for the remaining Section 2 from Espana Interchange to PUP Sta. Mesa, which will eventually connect to Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, it is expected to open by the second quarter of this year.

NLEX’s new pride is, indeed, also the Filipino’s pride.

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