NEWS

By Richmond Mercurio

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) plans to commence construction of a P16-billion elevated expressway extension of the Harbor Link this year, saying that the government has indicated its support to the project.

“We’re hoping as early as this year we can start working on that,” MPTC president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco said, referring to the company’s planned Harbor Link Port Access Mobility Facility project.

The project aims to improve access to the port area in Manila as it would continue the Harbor Link from C3 corner Navotas interchange all the way to Anda Circle.

“That one doesn’t require a lot of right of way, so we’re hoping once the contractual arrangement is fixed, then we can begin work. It all depends actually on the contract, then we have to prepare the design. So it really has to be latter part of the year,” Franco said.

MPTC chief communications officer Romulo Quimbo Jr. said the project is still under evaluation of the Toll Regulatory Board.

He said the project is not an unsolicited proposal as it is within the scope of MPTC’s existing concession.

The project was submitted to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar in December.

“We have signals that the public works department is supporting (it) because it’s obviously helpful for that part of the road network,” Quimbo said.

Quimbo said earlier the proposed extension spans 5.1 kilometers and would cost between P15 billion and P16 billion.

The C3-R10 Section of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10, the elevated expressway that will provide direct access between R10 in Navotas City and NLEX, is set for partial opening this month, while the entire C3-R10 Section will open by March.

The 2.6-kilometer C3-R10 Section from Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road in Caloocan City to Radial Road 10 in Navotas City will connect to the 5.65-kilometer NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10.

The project is seen significantly benefiting the transport logistics industry as cargo trucks will have 24/7 access from the port to NLEX, sparing them from the truck ban and congested local roads.

It is also envisioned to boost trade performance and lead to on-time delivery of goods to different inland destinations in Central and North Luzon.

Source: The Philippine Star