THE House Committee on Public Works and Highways on Monday, January 25, approved the bill establishing a service road linking the eastern and western sides of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to help ease the transportation problems experienced by the commuting public for short distance travel.

House Bill 912, principally authored by Pampanga Third District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., seeks to establish a 20-meter service road linking the eastern and western sides of NLEX in Pampanga to be referred to as the Pampanga Service Road.

The proposed Pampanga Service Road shall stretch from San Simon to Mabalacat, Pampanga, and shall link the eastern and western sides of NLEX commencing from the San Simon Exit up to the Dau, Mabalacat Exit.

"The North Luzon Expressway has become a major factor in the growth and development of Central Luzon, particularly in the province of Pampanga. However, the use of NLEX for inter barangay travel has become costly and impractical for many Kapampangans," Gonzales said.

"That's why I proposed the construction of a service road along NLEX to help ease the transportation problems experienced most notably by farmers and the commuting public who need to go through NLEX even for short distance trips. This is an effective alternative that would cut travel time, reduce cost, enhance rural productivity, and link far-flung barangays to their city and town centers," Gonzales added.