New CLLEX segment opened to motorists

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April 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday opened a new segment of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, which is expected to cut travel time between Tarlac and Cabanatuan City from 1.5 hours to just 20 minutes.

The newly opened segment – the San Juan Interchange – completes Phase 1 of the 29.2-kilometer, four-lane CLLEX. It is expected to benefit approximately 11,500 motorists daily.

The CLLEX Contract Package 4 connects the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX to Cabanatuan City.

Marcos said the use of the newly opened section would be toll-free until December.

He said trucks can pass through the expressway to ease traffic along MacArthur Highway.

“This is significant considering concerns about our crude oil and gasoline consumption. By reducing travel time, our fuel consumption will also be reduced,” Marcos said.

He said the newly opened segment is vital for Nueva Ecija, which is known as the country’s rice granary.

The improved road access will help reduce transport costs and keep rice prices stable, Marcos said.

“It is vital not only in reducing travel time or fuel consumption, but also in making prices of rice stable. We know that when oil prices rise, many follow including food,” he said.

The CLLEX Phase 1 is a P10-billion project funded through official development assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to improve access across Luzon and decongest major roads like the MacArthur Highway.