MPTDC bags NLEx-SLEx connector-road PPP project

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has issued a notice of award (NOA) to the Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp. (MPTDC) and its subsidiary Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx)– South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) Connector Road Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project. 

This P23.2-billion ($515.56-million) project is an unsolicited proposal of the Metro Pacific Group. The project was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board on Feb. 16, 2015. No counter proposal was submitted on July 25, 2016, the last day of the Swiss Challenge for the project. The NLEx-SLEx connector road is seen to decongest traffic in Metro Manila by providing an alternative to C-5 Road, Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa), and other major thoroughfares. It is expected to cut travel time between NLEx and SLEx from more than one hour to about 20 minutes.

MPTDC will construct, operate and maintain the 8-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway over the Philippine National Railway (PNR) right of way. It starts from C3 Road in Caloocan City through Manila crossing España Avenue toward Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa connecting to Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS3).

The winning proponent has 20 calendar days from receipt of the NOA to comply with the post-award requirements.