DPWH starts Central Luzon Expressway-Rio Chico Bridge Section project

FILE: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) (Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started this month the construction for the second package of the PHP3.7-billion Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLex) project .

According to DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, the Rio Chico Bridge Section will help reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to 20 minutes.

The CLLEX is a 30-km expressway that connects the two large cities of Tarlac and Cabanatuan. It traverses the municipalities of La Paz, Zaragosa, Aliaga, and Caalibangbangan.

The Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) Project originates from the connection of SCTEx and of TPLEx in Balincanaway, Tarlac City and traverses the Paz in Tarlac, Zaragosa and Aliaga in Nueva Ecija, and Caalibangbangan in Cabanatuan City.

When completed it is expected to decongest traffic in Pan Philippine Highway by 48%,” the DPWH chief said in a statement.

Villar and Undersecretary Emil Sadain led the ground breaking of the project at Barangay Guevara, La Paz, Tarlac Friday.

“The project will provide an important lateral (east-west) link for the overall expressway network in Region III and provide faster access to Cabanatuan — which is base for Pacific Ocean Coastal Area Development,” he added.

A total amount of PHP3.7 billion was allotted for the project through the loan made with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

At present, DPWH has continued its efforts towards improving connectivity and seamless road transport in the entire country.

A lot of projects in the regional level in Luzon as well as those in Visayas and Mindanao have been approved and feasibility studies and actual construction are ongoing.

“The Build Build Build mandate of the President is clear — infrastructure development and progress must be felt throughout the country. The CLLex project will not only benefit 11,200 motorists per day, it will also support the socio-economic development of Regional Growth Pole Cities of Tarlac and Cabanatuan,” Villar added. (PNA)