The Christmas rush is here, and getting around—not just inside Metro Manila but also in the nearby provinces—has just gotten harder. Thankfully, one major infrastructure project by NLEX Corporation, that is seen to help alleviate congestion, was finally completed and is now open to the public.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and NLEX’s officials led the ceremonies, inaugurating the P7.8-billion 5km third viaduct connecting Pulilan in Bulacan and Apalit in Pampanga. This is built between the two recently repaired bridges, adding three more lanes to the tollway.

The Candaba Viaduct is an essential part of the North Luzon Expressway. It started as a solitary two-lane bridge in 1977, then became two bridges with two lanes each the following year.

The structure remained largely the same for over 40 years. It was only in 2017 that NLEX announced the expansion of the viaduct to three lanes per direction.

To further reduce congestion, the company, with the help of Leighton Asia, started work on the third bridge, right in the middle of the two existing structures.

After almost two years, NLEX inaugurated the third bridge in time for the holiday rush. It is seen to help speed up regional development in Central Luzon and reduce congestion during peak travel periods.

Have you tried using the third Candaba Viaduct yet?