PULILAN, Bulacan—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated on Tuesday the P9-billion worth 5km Candaba 3rd viaduct of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) which will bring ease to 80,000 daily Metro Manila-bound motorists from northern and central Luzon.
The Candaba Viaduct 3 is a new bridge constructed at the middle of the two existing bridges connecting Pulilan in Bulacan and Apalit in Pampanga.
Built in 1977 during the term of his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Viaduct links the north and central Luzon provinces and Metro Manila. The bridges preserve the rice fields that span the vast agricultural areas of the two towns.
Over the years, the heavy volume of traffic particularly along the southbound lane of the viaduct necessitates Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) which runs and operates the NLEX to construct a third viaduct.
The President said the project is a fulfilment of a promise of safer, faster roads and highways to meet the growing population in northern and central Luzon regions including Metro Manila and will boost the economy in the areas.
“While it will be crucial because of the Holidays, the Candaba Viaduct 3 also leaves a lasting impact for generations to come because it will bring people closer to their destinations and their loved ones. It also reduces congestion and enhances the capacity of the expressway. This is a testament of build better more,” he said in a short program held at Big Ben Farm North Polo Club in this town shortly after the 9:00 a.m. inaugural drive thru in Pulilan viaduct area.
He congratulated and hailed the MPTC and the NLEX Corp for completing the project in less than 20 months, which is ahead of the 24 months projected completion. The project started June 2023.
At the same time, he challenged the MPTC and the Toll Regulatory Board to continue prioritizing traffic management strategies and become more vigilant to address the current traffic condition.
“Your works mirror the kind of nation we aspire to be, that is consistent, synergetic and cooperative, ” the President added.
Arrey A. Perez, the new President and Chief Operating Officer of MPTC said that what they built is not only a bridge but a legacy of modern infrastructure that is true to the principle of the President, that is, “roads are built to connect and protect”.
“Spur roads, spur growth. The viaduct and out highways serve as the veins and arteries that provides the lifeblood of our people and the economic growth of our country that is true to the principle of MPTC and NLEX to be a prime partner of the nation and the government through the help and support of the Department of Transportation, the Toll Regulatory Board, the Provincial Government of Pampanga and Bulacan and Pulilan and Apalit towns,” Perez also said.
Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando welcomed the opening to the public of the Candaba 3rd Viaduct as a major economic and tourism boost in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and Northern Luzon.
Fernando said the travel time from within the said areas will now be lessened and will provide more comfortable travel for motorists particularly Bulakenyos and residents of Pampanga.
Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda also graced the occasion.
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan joined the President in the inaugural drive through.
