NLEX Corp., the private operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), has signed a deal with China Road and Bridge Corp. (CRBC) for the construction of a segment of its NLEX-C5 Northlink project.

In a statement, NLEX said CRBC will build segment 8.2 section 1A of the project, which will connect Mindanao Avenue to Quirino Highway.

The overall project cost is estimated to be ₱2.2 billion.

“NLEX-C5 Northlink segment 8.2 section 1A will offer 24/7 access for all vehicle classes, facilitating smoother and efficient travel across the east and west routes of north Metro Manila,” said Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) President and Chief Operating Officer Arrey Perez.

NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of MPTC, the toll road arm of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

The soon-to-rise segment 8.2 section 1A will extend NLEX Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches through an all-weather elevated expressway crossing Tullahan River in Quezon City.

NLEX Corp. said this will address the daily traffic gridlock in congested portions of Mindanao Avenue and Quirino Highway by offering a direct route for motorists to and from Novaliches.

Meanwhile, the entire NLEX-C5 Northlink project stretches 11.3 kilometers from Mindanao Avenue to C5/C.P. Garcia near Katipunan Avenue.

“Alongside our dedicated team, contractor, and government partners, we are fully committed to accelerating the construction of this high-impact elevated expressway,” said Perez.

Perez said the target completion date for the entire project is in the first quarter of 2026.

According to NLEX Corp., the logistics sector will especially benefit from the infrastructure since it will be a 24/7 alternative route for trucks.

“Aside from improving the movement of goods, services, and people it will also generate jobs during the construction and operation phase and create business opportunities,” the operator said.