The Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), the concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), will start constructing this month the second and last segment of the NLEX Harbor Link, a 5.65-km flyover that will connect three northern Metro Manila cities to the Manila North Harbor.

During the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, March 3, at the PNR Data Center in Caloocan City, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President Ramoncito Fernandez said Segment 10, the 2.4-km, four-lane second link, is expected to accommodate 30,000 vehicles a day and decongest traffic along major Metro Manila highways. MPTC is a subsidiary of MNTC.

The 26-feet-high Segment 10 will start at the McArthur Highway in Valenzuela City and will pass through Malabon City and Caloocan City. Construction of the P10.5-billion project will be finished on February 2016.

MNTC President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Franco said the flyover would boost commerce in the region.

“There will be unhampered transport of goods since there is no truck ban inside the expressways. NLEX Harbor Link as whole will also promote a more efficient inter-regional movement of people. Cargo trucks and passenger bus drivers will not have to pass through the city’s congested areas,” Franco said.

Meanwhile, Segment 9, the 2.4-km first link, will open in June.

The infrastructure, which construction began on May 2013, connects the NLEX Smart Connect Interchange to MacArthur Highway.

Valenzuela City Mayor REX Gatchalian commended the MNTC, the MPTC, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the project.

“The NLEX Harbor Link is a complement to the trade and industry programs of the city government. I can’t wait to see business in Valenzuela City growing in leaps and bounds when the Harbor Link finally opens,” the local chief executive said.

Mayor REX also expressed hopes the opening of the Harbor Link will also bring more jobs to city residents.