Tarlac City: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced its target to achieve full completion and operational connectivity between the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City and Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija by July this year. This development promises to enhance transport efficiency and connectivity in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain reported in an inspection to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan that Contract Package 4, a 10.30-kilometer segment known as the Cabanatuan Section, is now 98 percent complete. The field inspection conducted on Wednesday was designed to oversee construction activities, review engineering progress, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards for the project, which is part of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I.
Contract Package 4, which experienced nearly two years of delay due to road right-of-way issues, is a segment of the 29.55-kilometer, four-lane expressway project. This project is anticipated to cut travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to just 20 minutes, benefitting over 11,200 motorists daily. Key components include an interchange, three bridges, eight reinforced concrete box culverts, seven farm passages, multiple underpasses, and asphalt pavement works.
Meanwhile, Contract Package 5, also known as the Zaragoza Interchange, is currently 73.46 percent complete, with full completion targeted within the third quarter of 2025. This segment involves the Zaragoza Interchange Bridge measuring 113.4 linear meters, a 4.88-kilometer access road, two bridges measuring 19.4 linear meters, five equalizer reinforced concrete box culverts, two farm passages, and seven irrigation canals.
Funding for most of CLLEX comes from a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while Contract Package 5 is fully financed by the Philippine government, according to DPWH. CLLEX is a flagship project under the government's "Build Better More" infrastructure program and is a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Bagong Pilipinas agenda.
The DPWH highlighted that this initiative aims to stimulate inclusive growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote balanced development beyond Metro Manila. The Marcos administration emphasizes infrastructure development as a central pillar of economic recovery and national progress.
Upon completion, CLLEX Phase I is expected to offer a fast, safe, and reliable route across Central Luzon, significantly boosting logistics, reducing traffic congestion, and linking urban centers with key agricultural zones.