By: Krissy Aguilar - Reporter / @KAguilarINQ

INQUIRER.net / 06:12 PM July 15, 2021

The Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx)Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx). PHOTO/DPWH

MANILA, Philippines — The first 18 kilometers of the 30-km Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) opened Thursday after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated Phase 1 of CLLEx, which runs from the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)/Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) connection in Tarlac City to the intersection of Aliaga-Guimba Road in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija.

“Once completed, this 30-kilometer four-lane expressway will not only connect Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City but also improve access to several localities in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija,” Duterte said in his speech in Tarlac City.

“I am sure that our kababayans will be pleased that the usual 70-minute travel between these two major cities in Central Luzon will be reduced to just 20 minutes,” he added.

Another view of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx). PHOTO/DPWH

Duterte thanked the Japanese government for its funding assistance to the CLLEx via its Japan International Coordination Agency (JICA).

“Allow me, on behalf of the Filipino people, to thank the government of Japan for helping fund the construction of CLLEx in support of our national infrastructure program,” Duterte said.

“The infusion of P12 billion by the Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA attests to the indispensable role of Japan as one of our important partners in attaining inclusive programs through infrastructure development,” he went on.

Also in attendance at the inauguration of CLLEx were Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar and Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko.

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source: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1460185/first-18-km-of-30-km-central-luzon-link-expressway-opens