PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. yesterday assured the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) are implementing all measures to ease congestion and ensure smoother travel in the country’s toll roads during the holiday season.

President Marcos made the assurance as he led the inauguration of the NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct in Pulilan, Bulacan.

The President said the viaduct’s opening will boost development of Central Luzon through increased economic and tourism activities.

“The timing of this milestone could not be more opportune. As we enter the holiday season, a period marked by heightened activity and an influx of holiday travelers, this bridge becomes even more crucial,” the President said.

“With all this in mind, I call on all concerned stakeholders — especially the Toll Regulatory Board and the NLEX Corporation—to remain vigilant. Let us prioritize swift response mechanisms and deploy well-coordinated traffic management strategies to address the ever-changing conditions and the increasing demands on our toll roads,” he added.

The Candaba Viaduct is a 5-km bridge built in the 1970s. It connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.

As a crucial link of the NLEX network, the Candaba Viaduct was augmented through the construction of the central infill–the new five-kilometer Candaba 3rd Viaduct–as the existing structures are aging and operating at a reduced capacity.

The P7.8 billion viaduct was built between the two existing bridges connecting the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

It’s expected to ease congestion on existing viaducts especially during peak travel periods, enhance motorists safety, and boost the flow of goods and services between Central Luzon and Metro Manila. PCO

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