DPWH, NLEX Corporation to Conduct Dry Run for NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, together with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) officials led by President Rodrigo Franco and NLEX Corporation President Luigi Bautista, will conduct a dry-run today, February 20, Wednesday, for the opening of the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 from Karuhatan, Valenzuela City to the new Caloocan Interchange in C3 Road, Caloocan City.

Set for opening in a few days, the new segment is envisioned to alleviate traffic congestion in Metro Manila as it will serve as an alternate corridor for motorists traveling from Central and North Luzon provinces, Valenzuela City, and Quezon City to Manila.

"The NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 will be a traffic game changer since this will drastically cut travel time from port area to NLEX," said Villar, adding that "once opened, around 30,000 vehicles daily will be diverted away from busy roads in Metro Manila."

Villar also noted that because of the reduction in travel time, motorists will gain significant savings in vehicle operating costs and increase their productivity as they will not need to go through heavy traffic.

"In a recent JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) study, traffic congestion in Metro Manila is costing the country PHP 3.5 billion a day. This new road will be a big boost to our economy as billions of pesos will be saved annually with the improved travel time," Villar said.

With the direct and quick access between NLEX and Manila Port, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is being eyed to provide direct access for commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks.

Villar added that truckers and freight forwarders are expected to greatly benefit from the elevated expressway since their cargo trucks will be spared from the truck ban thus translate to faster delivery of goods to and from the provinces.

Bautista cited that "aside from connecting NLEX to key areas in Metro Manila, the NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10 is seen to bring more opportunities in nearby communities such as generation of employment and increase in land values."

For his part, Franco said the "Metro Pacific remains committed in supporting the government in its infrastructure projects to improve accessibility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in both the north and south."