Motorists traveling between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City are set to benefit from faster and more efficient trips following the opening of a new segment of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) on Tuesday, March 31, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Travel time has been reduced from more than an hour, or as long as one hour and 30 minutes, to just 20 minutes, Dizon said.

The reduction in travel time follows the inauguration of the Aliaga–Cabanatuan section under Contract Package 4.

Dizon said the newly opened segment spans approximately 9.5 kilometers and includes one interchange, three bridges, and several underpasses.

He said it is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility across Central Luzon.

The expressway is part of a 30-kilometer network fast-tracked for public use ahead of the Holy Week exodus, offering motorists a more direct route to Cabanatuan City while helping bypass heavily congested portions of the Maharlika Highway.

By shortening travel time, the project is also expected to reduce fuel consumption and lower transportation costs, in line with the administration’s directive to accelerate infrastructure development amid rising fuel prices.

Dizon said the San Juan Interchange will play a key role in easing traffic in the area, noting that expanding bypass roads remains a long-term solution to worsening congestion as widening existing highways has become increasingly difficult due to dense developments.

The CLLEX will initially be toll-free, allowing motorists to maximize its benefits during the expected surge of travelers this Holy Week.

Meanwhile, the government said more infrastructure projects are underway, including flood control initiatives under “Oplan Kontra Baha” in Cagayan Valley, as part of efforts to strengthen connectivity and resilience nationwide.