The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation announced it will temporarily close a portion of the Sto. Tomas lane in Pampanga to facilitate the construction of a new interchange.

In an advisory released on Saturday, NLEX Corp. said the innermost lanes of both the southbound and northbound sections of the expressway will be closed to give way to the construction of the Sto. Tomas Interchange, a project led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to the company, 500-meter sections of the leftmost lanes after the Pau River Bridge (northbound) and after San Matias Bridge (southbound) will be closed on the following dates and times:

• 21 April, 10:00 PM to 22 April, 4:00 AM

• 22 April, 10:00 PM to 23 April, 4:00 AM

• 23 April, 10:00 PM to 24 April, 4:00 AM

• 24 April, 10:00 PM to 25 April, 4:00 AM

DPWH Region III Director Engr. Roseller A. Tolentino said the Sto. Tomas Interchange is part of the Greater Pampanga Circumferential Road Masterplan and will link to the planned Lubao-Guagua-Minalin-Sto. Tomas (LGMST) Bypass Road.

Tolentino noted that the interchange will provide access to key infrastructure projects in the municipality, including a new hospital and university, driving growth and development in the area.

Though the project is spearheaded by the DPWH, its operation and maintenance will involve the DPWH, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), and NLEX Corporation, with support from the Sto. Tomas local government and the 4th District of Pampanga.