Motorists can start traversing the first stretch of the P23.2-billion NLEX-SLEX Connector before the year ends, which is expected to ease the gridlock in Metro Manila.

During a transport conference on Wednesday, NLEX Corp. president and general manager Luigi Bautista disclosed the 5.15-kilometer Caloocan to España section of the 8-kilometer connector project is close to completion.

"The project will be fully operational within the early second quarter of next year. The first of two sections that is from Caloocan to Espana is more than 90 percent complete and can be opened by next month," Bautista said.

"Beyond providing vital infrastructure for the unimpeded flow of goods and services and the accessibility to and from nearby regions, the Metro Pacific Tollways Group has embarked on the digital transformation of our operations and services."

Elevated expressway

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project started construction in May 2019. It is an elevated expressway extending NLEX southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road Caloocan City to Sta. Mesa, Manila and Skyway Stage 3.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the project, once complete, will benefit about 35,000 motorists every day. It will also reduce travel time from SLEX to NLEX to just 20 minutes from the current travel time of two hours.

To those traveling from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, the trip is expected to last for only an hour and 40 minutes, versus the current three-hour ride.

NLEX Corp. launched its first Transport Con as part of the tollway company's program to strengthen relationships with stakeholders and drive growth in the transport industry.