The construction of Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I in the Philippines has made a significant progress, aiming for full completion by July 2025, announced the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on 8 May 2025. This new road will connect the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City and the Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

CLLEX is a flagship project under the ‘Build Better More’ infrastructure programme and forms a key component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda. Phase 1 will feature a 29.55-km, four-lane expressway expected to reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 to 20 minutes, benefitting over 11,200 motorists daily.

According to DPWH, Contract Package 4 of the project – a 10.30-km segment known as the Cabanatuan Section, being built by Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co Ltd – is now 98% complete (as of 8 May 2025). It comprises one interchange, three bridges, eight reinforced concrete box culverts, seven farm passages, multiple underpasses, and asphalt pavement works.

Meanwhile, Contract Package 5 – the Zaragoza Interchange – is being constructed by the Pacific Concrete Products Inc and China Construction First Group Corporation Limited Consortium, and is about 73.46% complete (as of 8 May 2025). Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025, this segment involves the Zaragoza Interchange Bridge (113.4 m), a 4.88-m access road, two bridges, five equaliser reinforced concrete box culverts, two farm passages, and seven irrigation canals.

Image: DPWH