Construction of the two-kilometer NLEX-C5 Northlink section linking Mindanao Avenue to Quirino Highway has reached 96 percent completion, according to NLEX Corporation.
The all-weather elevated expressway is designed to offer motorists a safer and more convenient alternative route between Quirino Highway and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), strengthening connectivity between Quezon City, Metro Manila, and northern Luzon.
NLEX Corporation stated that construction activities are currently centered on installing final concrete barriers and expansion joints along the mainline, completing eastbound and westbound ramps at Quirino Highway, and finishing remaining civil works prior to its official opening.
The elevated road infrastructure will feature closed-circuit television cameras, speed management systems, advanced radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers, and Neology antennas for electronic toll collection.
Additional safety features include roadway lighting, protective barriers, traffic signage, pavement markings, and reflective safety devices aimed at maintaining visibility and managing traffic flow.
Upon opening, the expressway segment will operate 24 hours a day for all vehicle classes, with an anticipated daily volume of approximately 11,000 vehicles.
The segment will allow vehicles from Quirino Highway direct entry into NLEX through the C5 Northlink network. From there, drivers can connect to the NLEX Connector toward Manila, the University Belt, and Makati, or travel north toward Central and Northern Luzon.
Luis S. Reñon, NLEX president and general manager, said the company is expediting work to complete infrastructure that can help commuters save time and manage operational expenses amid fluctuating fuel prices.
“We want to give motorists greater freedom not only in how they travel, but also in how they spend their time and money,” Reñon said.
“While fuel prices and other travel-related costs are beyond our control, we can provide reliable road infrastructure that helps people reach their destinations more efficiently. That is the value we aim to deliver through this project,” Reñon also said.
The two-kilometer Segment 8.2 Section 1A represents a major phase of the larger 11.3-kilometer NLEX-C5 Northlink Project, which will eventually connect Mindanao Avenue directly to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Avenue.