CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) will start the expansion of the San Fernando interchange by October this year to ease the traffic buildup caused by the increasing volume of vehicles along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
MNTC president Rodrigo Franco said they already came up with the studies on the adjustments needed for the implementation of the expansion project in the said interchange.
Franco said they have a recommended scheme coordinated with the improvement project being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) outside their jurisdiction.
“We will be doing the expansion project of the San Fernando interchange that is coordinated with the infrastructure improvements of the DPWH and the local government,” he said.
Franco said the MNTC has allotted some PHP200 million for the said project that include the putting of additional lanes and the improvement of the bridge interchange.
Likewise, he said the MNTC is willing to spend for the putting up of coordinated signal lights along the tollway.
The MNTC official said the expansion project is geared towards the goal of developing Pampanga into the next megalopolis outside of Metro Manila.
“Providing access is part of the scope of our business. Whatever plan for the Pampanga’s megalopolis scheme, we can plan the transport infrastructure to support that urban development plan. Difficulty of getting access is deterrent to additional investment,” he said.
He said the MNTC is studying the proposal of putting up THE Sto. Tomas interchange which is being pushed by some local officials here./PNA/FPV/ZST