₱120-billion elevated expressway to run above existing NLEX
The proposed project will connect Balintawak in Quezon City to Bocaue in Bulacan, following the existing NLEX corridor.
Unlike a conventional expressway expansion that would require motorists to rely on additional ground-level road space, the proposed development is expected to add an elevated roadway above the existing highway.
President Marcos described the investment as a major infrastructure undertaking that would expand available routes for motorists and improve the travel experience for commuters.
The project will involve coordination between the MVP Group, led by businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), led by Ramon S. Ang.
Marcos said he had asked the two business groups to work together to expand the country’s road network and provide additional travel options.
The proposed ₱120-billion investment is attributed to the MVP Group, with SMC expected to coordinate with the project. The precise financing structure and division of responsibilities have not yet been publicly detailed.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A in Valenzuela City on October 29, 2026. Philippine Information Agency+2
Meycauayan, Marilao and Bocaue motorists could benefit
The planned elevated road could be particularly significant for motorists travelling through heavily used sections of Bulacan.
Traffic congestion along the NLEX corridor affects commuters, private motorists, public transport operators and businesses moving goods between Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
Areas such as Meycauayan, Marilao and Bocaue experience substantial traffic movements, particularly during peak commuting hours and holiday travel periods.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the proposed undertaking would help address congestion affecting motorists travelling through these areas.
By adding another roadway above the existing highway, the project is intended to increase the capacity of the corridor.
If successfully implemented, the additional capacity could help improve vehicle movement and reduce pressure on existing road infrastructure.
However, the actual reduction in travel time will depend on the final engineering design, interchange arrangements, traffic management and connections to surrounding roads.
New NLEX-C5 Northlink section opens with toll-free access until December
The ₱120-billion proposal was announced alongside another infrastructure development: the opening of the NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 Section 1A.
This is a separate project, but it also aims to improve connectivity between Metro Manila and surrounding areas.
The newly inaugurated two-kilometre section connects Quirino Highway in Quezon City to the NLEX Mindanao Toll Plaza in Valenzuela City.
President Marcos said the new connection could reduce travel time along the affected route from approximately 40–45 minutes to just five minutes.
The segment is expected to serve around 11,000 motorists daily and provides an alternative route for vehicles travelling between Quezon City, Valenzuela and destinations along the NLEX network.
Motorists can also use the connection to access the NLEX Connector towards Manila and the University Belt, or travel north towards Central Luzon and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Toll-free until December 31, 2026
Marcos announced that motorists could use the newly opened section without paying tolls until the end of 2026.
The section is part of the larger 11.3-kilometre NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 project, which extends from Mindanao Avenue to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Avenue. President Bongbong Marcos+2
Two major infrastructure groups working together
The proposed elevated NLEX project also highlights cooperation between two of the Philippines’ largest infrastructure players.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), part of the MVP Group, operates NLEX and other toll road assets.
San Miguel Corporation has its own extensive infrastructure portfolio, including expressways and transport-related developments.
Their coordination is significant because the two groups operate interconnected road networks that serve millions of motorists and support the movement of goods across Luzon.
The proposed Balintawak-to-Bocaue elevated road would require coordination involving engineering, construction, traffic management and connections to existing tollway infrastructure.
The President’s announcement reflects the government’s effort to encourage major private-sector groups to work together on large transportation projects.
Nevertheless, the project still needs detailed development arrangements, including its final alignment, construction schedule, financing and regulatory requirements.
Potential impact on businesses and the Philippine economy
Beyond improving daily travel, the proposed elevated expressway could have wider economic implications.
NLEX is an important transportation corridor connecting Metro Manila with Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac and other parts of Northern Luzon.
A more efficient highway network could benefit several sectors:
- Logistics and freight: Faster movement of cargo could help businesses transporting products between Metro Manila and Central Luzon.
- Manufacturing: Industrial facilities could benefit from improved access to suppliers, warehouses and distribution centres.
- Commuters: Additional road capacity could provide more travel options for workers travelling between the capital and Bulacan.
- Commercial development: Better road connectivity could support business activity and investment around accessible areas.
- Tourism: Improved travel connections could make destinations in Central and Northern Luzon more accessible.
However, these are potential benefits rather than guaranteed outcomes. Construction costs, toll rates, traffic demand and the project’s eventual operating arrangements will influence its economic impact.
What motorists still need to know
Despite the announcement, several important details about the ₱120-billion elevated expressway have yet to be released.
| Project detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Estimated investment | ₱120 billion |
| Proposed route | Balintawak, Quezon City to Bocaue, Bulacan |
| Project type | Elevated expressway above existing NLEX |
| Main private-sector group | MVP Group / MPTC |
| Coordination partner | San Miguel Corporation |
| Construction start | Not yet announced |
| Target completion | Not yet announced |
| Final toll rates | Not yet announced |
| Detailed engineering plans | Not yet publicly disclosed |
Motorists should also remember that the proposed elevated road is different from the recently opened NLEX-C5 Northlink section.
The new two-kilometre connection already has a toll-free period through December 31, 2026, while the larger Balintawak-to-Bocaue elevated expressway remains a planned development.
Related WWC ONE MEDIA coverage
For additional context on Philippine road infrastructure and expressway developments, readers can explore these related reports:
1. NLEX Traffic Finally Eases After Days of Gridlock — But One Flooded Section Is Still Causing Concern — Background on NLEX operations and traffic challenges.
2. DPWH Still Targets C5 Rehabilitation Start This Year as Metro Manila Road Upgrade Moves Forward — Related Metro Manila road infrastructure developments.
3. SMC Prepares Five Luzon Expressways for 10% Undas Traffic Surge — SMC’s expressway operations and traffic management.
4. PCSA Wants RoRo Terminal Fees Scrapped — Could This Finally Help Bring Down Food Prices? — Broader discussion of transportation infrastructure and logistics costs.
5. Ayala Land Is Turning 290 Hectares in Tarlac Into a New Economic Hub — Economic development and infrastructure connectivity in Central Luzon.
