PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday led the inauguration of the first section of the P23.2 billion North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector from Caloocan to España, hopeful that the project would be completed “within the target time frame.”

In his speech, Marcos called on the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and NLEX Corporation to work “closely and effectively” to complete the road project without delays.

“Try very hard, as we all do, to stay within the target time frame. Although your success rate in this regard is exemplary, avoid unnecessary delays and finish the project as scheduled so that the Filipino people will be able to reap the benefits as soon as possible,” he said.

Marcos said the NLEX Connector will soon provide an alternate route that will reduce travel time for our motorists and significantly improve the mobility of people as well as goods and services.

He said the opening of this project also shows that his administration sustains and accelerates the momentum started by the previous administration in terms of infrastructure development.

“Under the Build, Better More program, we will continue to push for the interconnectivity of major roads and expressways as well as build even more roads and bridges in strategic places within the archipelago,” he said.

Marcos expressed gratitude to concerned government agencies and the private sector for having made the road project possible.

“Thank you to the NLEX Corporation and the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation for completing this part of this project. We certainly need to recognize as well your continued efforts in improving our country’s infrastructure systems…” Marcos said. “I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our officials and employees in the DOTr and the DPWH [Department of Public Works and

Highways] and all its attached agencies who have played a very important and crucial role in the success of this project. Let us keep up the good work,” he added.

He also vowed that his administration will continue to develop a “highly interconnected road network” that will facilitate the country’s rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth.

For his part Bautista said; “This project is very important to the riding public because it will ease traffic, allowing commuters to spend quality time with their families. The NLEX Connector will accelerate the delivery of services and goods.”

A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Road Project between the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) and Metro Pacific-led NLEX Corporation, the NLEX Connector Caloocan-España Section will address traffic congestion in the metropolis and will improve efficiency on the road.

Passing through urbanized areas such as C3 Road and 5th Avenue in Caloocan City, and Blumentritt and España in Manila, the first section of NLEX Connector is expected to ease traffic along España Boulevard, Abad Santos Avenue, Rizal Avenue, and Lacson Avenue and provide easier access to several areas including the University Belt. Jun I. Legaspi, Philippine News Agency