Caloocan to España in 5 Minutes? The First Section of NLEX Connector Finally Opens

Driving from one city to another in Metro Manila will often take forever — and that’s barely an exaggeration. Long stretches of traffic and hours on the road are frustratingly familiar to most of us metro dwellers. But starting 29 Mar 2023, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector linking Caloocan City and España in Manila City promises to cut down travel time between the two cities to five minutes! 

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NLEX Connector Caloocan–España

A five-minute drive between Caloocan and Manila sounds like a dream, right? But the Department of Transportation (DOTr) says the new five-kilometre section of the NLEX Connector aims to make it possible. 

A four-lane elevated expressway, the Caloocan-España stretch traverses C3 Road, Blumentritt, and España.

But this is only the first phase of the NLEX Connector. The ₱23.3-billion project will ultimately extend eight kilometres long, providing greater access to parts of Manila, including the University Belt. Next up is the España-Magsaysay section, which is already 42% completed. The target opening date is in June.

The expressway will go from Caloocan Interchange on C3 Road, Dimasalang, España Boulevard, R. Magsaysay Boulevard, then up to the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa. There will be on and off ramps at C3, España Boulevard, and Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, according to DOTr.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the expressway is projected to ease traffic, improve road efficiency in the metro, and support economic growth in the metro.

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Toll-free travel on the connector for a limited time

Another plus: Motorists can use the NLEX Connector for free — at least for now.

“We are offering free access for a limited period, so motorists can experience for themselves the convenience of using the NLEX Connector,” NLEX Corporation President J. Luigi Bautista said.

Although it likely won’t last forever, we’re definitely pleased that the NLEX Connector remains toll-free at the moment. The expressway opened just in time for our Holy Week road trip! Don’t have plans for the extra-long weekend? For quick getaway ideas, check out our favourite stays in Tagaytay, Bataan, Baguio, and Batangas.

Featured image credit: NLEX Corporation | Official Website