The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported significant progress in the ongoing construction of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I, aiming for 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 2025.
CLLEX is a flagship project under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program and forms a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda. The initiative aims to stimulate inclusive growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote balanced development beyond Metro Manila.
In an inspection report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain stated that Contract Package 4 - a 10.30-kilometer segment known as the Cabanatuan Section—is now 98% complete.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA), noted that Contract Package 4 - despite facing nearly two (2) years of delay due to road right-of-way issues, is part of the 29.55-kilometer, four-lane expressway expected to reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to just 20 minutes, benefitting over 11,200 motorists daily.
Key components of the Contract Package 4 under contract with Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd., includes one (1) interchange; three (3) bridges; eight (
reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBCs); seven (7) farm passages; multiple underpasses; and asphalt pavement works.
Meanwhile, Contract Package 5 or the Zaragoza Interchange is being constructed by the Pacific Concrete Products, Inc. and China Construction First Group Corporation Limited Consortium, and is currently 73.46% complete.
This segment involves: Zaragoza Interchange Bridge (113.4 linear meters); 4.88-kilometer access road; two (2) bridges (19.4 linear meters); five (5) equalizer reinforced concrete box culverts; two (2) farm passages; and seven (7) irrigation canals.
Completion of Contract Package 5 is expected within the 3rd Quarter of 2025.
Completion of Contract Package 5 is expected within the third quarter of 2025. While most of CLLEX is funded through a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this package is fully financed by the Government of the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to highlight infrastructure development as a central pillar of economic recovery and national progress under his administration.
The field inspection on May 7, 2025, was conducted to oversee construction activities, review engineering progress, and ensure adherence to quality and safety standards. Present during the site visit were Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster I (UPMO-RMC I) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Project Manager Nelson T. Graza; Project Engineer Albert B. Manuel; Engr. Allen P. Penaojos; and Mr. Philip T. Lopez of Pacific Concrete Products, Inc.
Project Director Bautista reaffirmed the UPMO-RMC I team’s commitment to sustaining construction momentum, especially following the resolution of longstanding right-of-way issues with affected landowners.
Once completed, CLLEX Phase I is expected to provide a fast, safe, and reliable route across Region III, significantly boosting logistics, reducing traffic congestion, and linking urban centers with key agricultural zones.
