President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the inauguration of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Candaba 3rd Viaduct, stressing it is a fulfillment of the government’s promise of “safer, faster, more reliable travel for every Filipino.”

In his speech during the inauguration ceremony in Barangay Tabon in Pulilan, Bulacan, Marcos highlighted the crucial role of the NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct during the holiday season.

“As we enter the holiday season, a period marked by heightened activity and an influx of holiday travelers, this bridge becomes even more crucial,” he said.

Marcos also assured that the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board are implementing measures to ease congestion and “to ensure smoother travel across this corridor.”

“The North Luzon Expressway 3rd Viaduct is a fulfillment of a promise — a promise of safer, faster, more reliable travel for every Filipino,” he said.

Landmark project

“It was one of the landmark projects initiated by my father — then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Years later, it remains a vital link between the North and Metro Manila, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come,” he added.

Marcos stressed the importance of the bridge in the government’s efforts to improve the movement of goods, services, and people.

“We steer economic growth, expand opportunities for trade and tourism, and drive regional development,” he said.

“For nearly five decades, this bridge has carried the aspirations of countless Filipinos — workers, farmers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, families — bringing them closer to their destinations, to their loved ones, and to their work,” he further noted.

The President said the NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct is seen to help the government meet the needs of a growing population and economy.

Prioritize swift response mechanisms

Meanwhile, Marcos called on transportation officials and toll regulators to prioritize swift response mechanisms and deploy well-coordinated traffic management strategies “to address the ever-changing conditions and the increasing demands on our toll roads.

He sees the 3rd Viaduct enhancing the capacity of the expressway, reducing congestion, and ensuring faster and more efficient travel.

“Standing as a testament to this Administration’s commitment to the ‘Build Better More’ program, this also shows that we are building the foundation to nurture the development of our countryside,” he said.

The Candaba Viaduct is a 5-km bridge built in the 70s that connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga.

NLEX Corporation, a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, rehabilitated the former North Diversion Road, now known as NLEX in 2005.

The project includes the expansion of expressway lanes, upgrades to the toll and traffic systems, and improvements to roadways including the Candaba Viaduct.

In 2017, NLEX Corporation expanded the viaduct from two to three lanes per direction to maximize its vehicular capacity and ensure motorists’ safety and convenience.

Crucial link

As a crucial link of the NLEX network, the Candaba Viaduct was augmented through the construction of the central infill — the new Candaba 3rd Viaduct “as the existing structures are aging and operating at a reduced capacity.”

Marcos said the project is aimed at improving the country’s transportation infrastructure, driving progress in various regions and boosting the Philippine economy.

“This new viaduct not only strengthens the road network but also provides critical support in enabling greater mobility for commuters, tourists and businesses alike across regions,” he said.