Wider NLEx viaduct to spur Central Luzon development

The opening of the P7.8-billion North Luzon Expressway Candaba 3rd Viaduct will spur regional development in Central Luzon through enhanced connectivity, business opportunities, and tourism activity, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“As we mark its completion, we show what can be achieved when we work together as one — fueled by our commitment to enriching connectivity, opportunity, and the brighter future that we continue to create together,” Marcos said during the viaduct’s inauguration.

The 3rd Viaduct enhances the expressway’s capacity, reduces congestion, and ensures faster, more efficient travel, he said. It also demonstrates the administration’s commitment to the “Build Better More” program and the development of the countryside.

By improving the movement of goods, services, and people, the country can steer economic growth, expand opportunities for trade and tourism, and drive regional development, Marcos said.

The President recognized the efforts of NLEX Corp. and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., saying their work mirrors the kind of nation the country aspires to become — consistent, synergistic, and forward-looking.

“Let us build infrastructure projects with future challenges in mind. Remain focused on pursuing initiatives that uplift lives, build communities, and most importantly, meet the needs of the future that we hope to build for our children and their children,” he said.

The Candaba Viaduct, a vital link between North Luzon and Metro Manila, was one of the landmark projects initiated by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. Since its opening in 1977, the five-kilometer bridge has connected the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga. It has evolved to meet the needs of a growing population and economy, expanding from a two-lane design to three lanes in each direction by 2017.

The NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which began construction last year, is a five-kilometer-long infrastructure built between the two existing bridges connecting Pulilan and Apalit.