NLEX Corporation is eyeing to connect the government’s road projects in Pampanga to the North Luzon Expressway-Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway network. 

The tollway company says its pool of engineers are evaluating how to incorporate the three  Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)  projects in Sto. Tomas, Mexico, and Sta. Ines, Pampanga safely and efficiently in the existing expressway system.

These projects aim to enhance access and connectivity as well as boost the province’s development potential. 

“We are actively coordinating with DPWH in laying out the plans for the interconnection of NLEX-SCTEX, with some of these projects included in the Pampanga Circumferential Road,”  Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX president and general manager said,  noting that “the team is carefully studying the safety and security aspects of the projects, and making sure that both local and NLEX motorists get to benefit from these.” 

Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said that consultations are progressing with public and private sectors on various road projects. 

“Constructing a new road entails everyone’s participation. We are pushing for new access roads to ease daily traffic congestion and improve travel convenience,” he said. 

One of the projects in the pipeline is a road network that will connect NLEX to MacArthur Highway in Sto. Tomas town. A new interchange is set to be constructed, which will provide quicker access between the expressway and towns in the southern part of Pampanga such as Sto. Tomas, Minalin, Guagua and Lubao. The new road is seen to improve mobility in these areas where high industrialization is taking place. 

To further support the mounting developments in Mexico, a new interconnection that would decongest the portions along MacArthur Highway and the Mexico Toll Plaza is also being discussed. This road will extend the existing Aquino Byway in Brgy. Calulut in the City of San Fernando, offering an alternative route for trucks going to the expressway.  

DPWH and NLEX are also in the process of merging their engineering plans and addressing right-of-way concerns for the proposed road extending the Sta. Ines Interchange in Brgy. Atlu-Bola, Mabalacat City towards the SCTEX covering Brgy. Dolores, Mabalacat City. The project is expected to further spur growth and open opportunities in the said areas. 

“With the development of these new roads, NLEX is working with the government provide better infrastructure and access to the public,” Bautista said. 

DPWH and NLEX have been improving roads leading to growth corridors. Previously, they partnered in the implementation of road network improvements in Bulacan to help accommodate the growing traffic and complement other developments in the province. These projects include the opening of Tambubong Interchange and the Philippine Arena Interchange in Bocaue, the Balagtas Northbound Entry, and the ongoing construction of the Balagtas Interchange southbound exit.