In a report, NLEC said the new Mabiga interchange in Mabalacat City cost P105 million and now provides access between the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and MacArthur Highway “that will eliminate the need to make a U-turn for vehicles bound for SCTEx.”
“We expect this to lead to faster delivery of goods and services and enhanced safety for motorists,” said NLEC information chief Kit Ventura.
The firm also said the new exit ramp at the Sta. Ines end of NLEx, also in the jurisdiction of Mabalacat, was also inaugurated yesterday. The project cost about P27 million.
Ventura said the ramp was expected to “enhance traffic flow in the interchange due to the provision of direct access for vehicles bound for Magalang, Pampanga coming from NLEx, thus eliminating traffic conflicts at the interchange.”
This, even as NLEC also cited on-going projects to be completed this year. This includes the widening of NLEx’s San Fernando northbound exit at the cost of P28 million.
It also said studies are being done on the proposed NLEx Phase 3 that would shorten travel time between Pampanga and Bataan. The project would cost P20 billion and would stretch 38 kilometres.
Ventura said the project would cover six interchanges in Sto. Tomas, Bacolor, Guagua, and Lubao in Pampanga, and Dinalupihan in Bataan.
“The alignment is envisioned to serve as an alternative to the lahar-affected and congested Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo Road,” he noted.