TARLAC CITY – The government recently opened the first 18-kilometer portion of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) that links this city with the City of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija.
During the opening rites at its Tarlac Interchange section here, President Duterte the CLLEX will vastly “improve the movement of goods going to and from Metro Manila and Central Luzon, which will be beneficial to consumers, entrepreneurs and the economy,”
Duterte said in a keynote speech during the inauguration of the 18-kilometer Tarlac Interchange to Aliaga Section of CLLEX Project (Phase 1) in Tarlac City.
The 18-kilometer portion of the new expressway, which runs from Tarlac City to the Aliaga section in Nueva Ecija is actually a few kilometers away yet from Cabanatuan City, whicg gap, however, is now satisfactorily served by the existing Vergara Hughway.
Once fully operational, the stretch will shorten the hourlong travel between Tarlac and Cabanatuan to just 29 minutes. The CLLEX forms oart of the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.
Duterte also thanked the Japanese government for helping fund the construction of the 30-km CLLEX. He likewise lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its partners for the “speedyand efficient” completion of the 18-kilometer stretch of the new expressway.
The DPWH said remaining 10.30-kilometer Cabanatuan Section of the project is now 88.7% complete.