THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has announced that the P8.28-billion road connecting Clark International Airport and New Clark City is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2022.
The entire access road will reduce travel time from NCC to other districts in Clark from 45 minutes to only 15 minutes, the agency said.
The BCDA recently completed the P3.70-billion first phase of the 19.83-kilometer, six-lane road project
connecting the two areas.
Delivery of this 5.33-kilometer segment of the Clark International Airport to NCC Access Road project will provide faster and easier access to the gateway's new passenger terminal, a cornerstone of the
administration's Build, Build, Build program, the BCDA added.
Part of the project's first phase is the iconic 900-meter bridge crossing the Sacobia River in Bamban, Tarlac.
"The pandemic should be fought across all fronts. Advancing infrastructure projects is one way to bounce back. We are fulfilling our commitment to deliver key infrastructure projects as these will help the Philippine economy get back on its feet and propel growth," said BCDA officer-in-charge Aristotle B. Batuhan.
Phase 1 of Clark airport to NCC Access Road was completed during the latter part of 2021.
The access road has been funded through the General Appropriations Act.
The implementation of the project is divided into three phases.
The P2.72-billion second phase, or the Aranguren-Dapdap section, consists of an 8.80-kilometer, six-lane road. It is 62.16 percent constructed as of end-2021 and expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2022.
The P1.86-billion Phase 3, or the Dapdap-Calumpang section, consists of a 5.70-kilometer, six-lane road. It is 31.03 percent constructed as of end-2021 and is targeted for completion by the second quarter of this year.
Both Phase 2 and 3 feature bike and pedestrian lanes, roadway lighting and linear parks.
Motorists will be able to use the access road upon completion of all three phases.
BCDA stated that Clark has become a centerpiece of the Duterte administration's Build, Build, Build program.
Transforming Clark is part of the economic team's strategy to develop alternative growth areas outside Metro Manila.
Its development is expected to attract more investments and spur inclusive economic growth, according to the BCDA.