The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it is aiming for the full completion and connectivity of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I between the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City and Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija by July 2025.
CLLEX is a flagship project under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program and forms a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The agency said the initiative aims to "stimulate inclusive growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote balanced development beyond Metro Manila."
DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain stated that Contract Package 4 - a 10.30-kilometer segment known as the Cabanatuan Section—is now 98% complete.
Sadain, who is in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA), noted that Contract Package 4 - despite facing nearly two years of delay due to road right-of-way issues, is part of the 29.55-kilometer, four-lane expressway.
The infrastructure is expected to reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to just 20 minutes, benefitting over 11,200 motorists daily.
Key components of the Contract Package 4 under contract with Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd., includes one interchange; three bridges; eight reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBCs); seven farm passages; multiple underpasses; and asphalt pavement works, the DPWH said.
Meanwhile, Contract Package 5 or the Zaragoza Interchange is being constructed by the Pacific Concrete Products, Inc. and China Construction First Group Corporation Limited Consortium, and is currently 73.46% complete.
This segment includes the Zaragoza Interchange Bridge (113.4 linear meters); 4.88-kilometer access road; two bridges (19.4 linear meters); five equalizer reinforced concrete box culverts; two farm passages; and seven irrigation canals.
The DPWH said the completion of Contract Package 5 is expected within the 3rd Quarter of 2025.
While most of CLLEX is funded through a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Package 5 is fully financed by the Government of the Philippines.
A field inspection was conducted on Wednesday, May 7, "to oversee the construction, review engineering progress, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards."
Present during the site visit were Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster I (UPMO-RMC I) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Project Manager Nelson T. Graza; Project Engineer Albert B. Manuel; Engr. Allen P. Penaojos; and Mr. Philip T. Lopez of Pacific Concrete Products, Inc.
Bautista reaffirmed the UPMO-RMC I team’s commitment to sustain construction momentum, especially following the resolution of longstanding right-of-way issues with affected landowners.
Once completed, CLLEX Phase I is expected to provide a fast, safe, and reliable route across Region III.
It is expected to boost logistics, reduce traffic congestion, and link urban centers with agricultural zones.