The ₱2.2 billion project that will extend the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from the Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway is now halfway complete, according to NLEX Corp.

NLEX Corp., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), said Section 1A of the NLEX-C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 has reached a completion rate of nearly 50 percent.

Since the its groundbreaking in March 2025, construction work is well underway on the two-kilometer elevated expressway structure, including piers and at-grade ramps.

Luis Reñon, president and general manager of NLEX Corp., said reaching the halfway point of the project affirms the company’s commitment to complete it “at the earliest possible time.”

“This project will significantly improve connectivity and help relieve congestion on local roads,” he said.

Last year, MPTC said the completion date for the section is within the first quarter of 2026.

NLEX Corp. previously named China Road and Bridge Corp. (CRBC) as the builder of the project.

Once completed, Section 1A will connect motorists from Mindanao toll plaza to Quirino Highway in Novaliches, Quezon City, bypassing the Mindanao Avenue and Tullahan River.

This is expected to benefit approximately 11,000 vehicles per day, easing congestion on major thoroughfares such as Quirino Highway and Mindanao Avenue.

The section covers the first two kilometers of the border NLEX–C5 Northlink Segment 8.2 project which spans 11.3 kilometers, linking the tollway to C5 Road.

Pegged at around ₱24 billion, the project is expected to cut travel time between the northern and southern parts of Luzon through the eastern side of Metro Manila.

NLEX Corp. said this also aims to foster business growth, create jobs, and foster economic development along surrounding communities.