NLEX Corporation officials, together with Bulacan and Pampanga key officials, led an ocular inspection on Candaba 3rd viaduct on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Handout.

MANILA — A third viaduct for motorists plying the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is already 97 percent complete and set to open next month, just in time for the expected Christmas rush traffic.

Local government officials from Bulacan and Pampanga joined NLEX Corporation officers in inspecting the 5.3-kilometer-long NLEX Candaba 3rd viaduct on Wednesday, November 20.

Built between two existing bridges, the viaduct consists of three lanes that will further connect Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

“This project would not be possible without the support of both our public and private partners; thus, we deem it fit to give some of our valued stakeholders a glimpse of this vital infrastructure,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista said.

“Despite the numerous typhoons that challenged us during construction, we remain committed to delivering this project before the Christmas holiday rush,” he added.

Present in the ocular inspection with Bautista were Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, San Simon Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr., Pulilan Mayor Ma. Rosario Montejo, Pulilan Vice Mayor Rolando Peralta, Apalit Vice Mayor Pedro Nucom with the Sangguniang Bayan ng Apalit, Pampanga Provincial Administrator Atty. Charlie Chua, and Atty. Nikki Coronel, Chief of Staff of Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando.

READ: Construction of 3rd Candaba viaduct underway

The P9 billion-worth project started in June 2023, aiming to increase travel speed in the area from 40-60 kph to 60-80 kph. It will be an important link between Metro Manila, Central, and Northern Luzon.

The Candaba 3rd Viaduct is among NLEX's efforts to address heavy traffic and to "contribute to tourism, trade, and commerce across the regions".