More skilled workers to boost NLEX Connector construction

Ruben Manahan Sep 30, 2020

The NLEX Corporation said that they are set to fast-track the construction of the eight-kilometer stretch of the North Luzon Expressway Connector through the help of 1,500 skilled workers that will be hired for the said project.

According to NLEX President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, the hiring of the workers will prioritize overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been displaced and unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Being a government partner in infrastructure building, NLEX Corporation and the entire Metro Pacific Tollways group are keen in helping the economy recover from the adverse effects of the pandemic. With our ongoing projects, we can create more opportunities for people thus propel growth in the country,” Bautista was quoted as saying.

Aside from that, they are also mobilizing more construction equipment to further boost productivity at the site.

An elevated expressway, the NLEX Connector will pass through the Caloocan Interchange, 5th Avenue/C3 Road in Caloocan City go through España, and provide linkage with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at PUP Sta. Mesa in Manila.

NLEX connector

“We are currently working on the first five-kilometer section of the NLEX Connector from Grace Park, Caloocan City to España St., Sampaloc, Manila. As projected, more than 1,500 workers are needed to accelerate the construction works,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, both the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) asked those involved in the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program to extend employment assistance to repatriated OFWs—especially those who were previously employed in construction.

“We are looking at our massive infrastructure projects as key employment generators. Apart from building roads and bridges to spur economic development, this administration’s “Build Build Build” program is also geared towards providing livelihood to fellow Filipinos,” DPWH Secretary Mark Villar stated.

Earlier, the DPWH has announced that they have already generated 6.57 million jobs in the span of four years.

Set to be completed by next year, the P23-B NLEX Connector will reduce travel time from NLEX to South Luzon Expressway from two hours to about 20 minutes, and provide improved accessibility for cargo trucks bound for the Manila Ports (North and South Harbor) and the international airports such as NAIA and Clark.

Around 35,000 motorists are bound to benefit from this project which will be a faster alternative than plying Metro Manila’s congested thoroughfares.

Also, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has intensifed its efforts to start the toll interoperability via Radio Frequency Identification (RFID).

Photo/s from NLEX Corporation