Nlex Corp. is targeting to complete the first 5 kilometers of the Nlex Connector in the first quarter of 2022, as it is now “halfway through” its construction.
Luigi L. Bautista, the company’s president, said construction activities at the first 5-kilometer section of the Nlex Connector are now “moving forward” after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) committed to fast-track the delivery of the right of way (ROW) for the road.
“We are pleased that the construction activities are moving forward with the construction progress standing at 45 percent. Thanks to our government partner, DPWH, for securing the ROW requirements,” he said.
The first section of the connector road runs from Caloocan Interchange to Espana Boulevard.
“We are targeting to deliver the full right-of-way for this section by next month so we can further accelerate the project,” Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar said.
The first section is being built inside the Philippine National Railways ROW and passes through urbanized areas between Harbor Link-Caloocan Interchange along C3 Road/5th Ave. and España Blvd. in Sampaloc, Manila.
Bautista said his group is using the Indonesian technology called Sosrobahu in launching coping beams or pierheads in certain portions of the Nlex Connector as this rotating device enables the construction of expressways above existing roads with minimum disturbance to traffic.
“This technology is highly beneficial since it will ramp up the construction progress and most importantly minimize traffic jams thus reduce economic losses. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we can expect significant progress in the coming months because of this innovative solution,” Bautista said.
Aside from the Sosrobahu, Nlex Corp. is also using Super T girders to expedite the construction of this vital infrastructure that will provide trucks with 24/7 alternative route and reduce travel time between Nlex and South Luzon from two hours to just 20 minutes.
Super T girders are innovative, pre-stressed box girders that are widely used for bridges in Australia and New Zealand. More than 1,400 girders will be used for the entire project.
“We continue to find opportunities and improve the way we do things to accelerate the construction of the Nlex Connector. We are optimistic that the construction technology that we are employing will increase efficiency and boost productivity at the site,” Bautista said.
He noted that while the group progresses with the first five-kilometer Espana section, the company will start construction of the last three-kilometer segment of the connector road within the year. This section runs from the España Interchange to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
The Nlex Connector is seen to serve 35,000 motorists per day and ease access to ports and airports in Manila and Clark. It will have four toll plazas and interchanges in C3 and Espana.
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