CLARK FREEPORT – Construction of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) is in full swing and, when finished, will reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to only 20 minutes.
In a report, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the CLLEx would stretch 30 kilometers with four lanes. Work on it was started way back in May 2016 and would be completed by January 2022.
The CLLEx is part of the Duterte government ´s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program to boost the economy.
The project has four phases. Latest report indicated that Phase 1 is 82.2 percent completed, Phase II is 35.4 percent, Phase III is 34.8 percent and Phase IV is 25.4 percent.
The report did not state project cost but said it is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
At the same time, the DPWH also reported that work on the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation project in low-lying areas of Pampanga Bay has already started this year, for completion by March 2022.
It is being funded by the Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund at the cost of P6.15 billion.
The project consists of construction of the Sapang Maragul flood gate and the dredging of the Sapang Maragul River both in Masantol town. It will also cover the construction of three bridges, five foot bridges, eight sluicegates, and 164 fishpond gates.
