THE operator of the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) opened on Tuesday the new and expanded San Fernando, Pampanga, interchange, facilitating more efficient mobility for motorists, consumers and business owners.
Nlex Corp. President Rodrigo E. Franco said the improved infrastructure would help decongest the San Fernando area and further accelerate the growth of trade and commerce in Pampanga’s capital city.
“We undertook these traffic enhancements in our infrastructure to keep up with the fast-paced developments and heightened economic activities in San Fernando,” Franco said.
Two new bridges crossing the Nlex were built to function as separate carriageways, and the interchange ramps were widened to four lanes in each direction.
The east and west roundabouts along Jose Abad Santos Avenue were also removed to pave way for the installation of automated traffic signals.
“With these improvements, the new and expanded interchange is seen to facilitate efficient mobility of people and goods to and from San Fernando and nearby areas,” Franco added.
Also part of the group’s effort to improve traffic flow and spur business growth in Pampanga is the ongoing construction of the new Mabiga Interchange in Mabalacat City.
This new interchange will soon serve as a full diamond interchange that will improve access of motorists between Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and MacArthur Highway. New on-and-off ramps with entry and exit toll plazas are also under construction.
The company is also expanding the Santa Ines interchange to accommodate increasing traffic growth, constructing a new right-turning ramp in the direction of the Mabalacat-Magalang Road, and improve access to the SCTEx.
Along the San Simon interchange, the main bridge is undergoing retrofitting as part of Nlex’s bid to ensure safety of motorists. The bridge was built in the 1970s.
Another project set to boost Pampanga’s development is Nlex’s Phase 3, envisioned to be a 37-kilometer, four-lane, divided expressway from Santo Tomas, Pampanga, to Dinalupihan, Bataan.