CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The new Meycauayan East Service Road, which is seen to ease both northbound and soundbound traffic in the city, will open to the public on Friday.
Leading the opening of the road connecting Libtong in Meycauayan City and Lawang Bato in Valenzuela City, are the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr) and NLEX Corporation.
In attendance are Bulacan 4th District Representative Henry R. Villarica, Meycauayan City Mayor Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica, Meycauayan City Vice Mayor Josefina O. Violago, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Alvin Carullo, DPWH District Engineer George Santos, and NLEX Corporation Vice President Donna Faylona-Marcelo.
Using a portion of the NLEX right-of-way, the DPWH constructed the one-kilometer, two-lane service road as alternate route for those traveling between the cities of Meycauayan and Valenzuela, bypassing MacArthur Highway. With the opening of this route, motorists coming from Paso de Blas in Valenzuela City may reach Malhacan in Meycauayan City faster, compared to using other local, more congested roads.
The new service road aims to provide motorists with a direct local route and help improve traffic flow especially during rush hours at Meycauayan Interchange. The project is part of the Bulacan road network improvements to encourage economic growth, and deliver travel convenience and safety.
According to NLEX Corporation Vice President Donna Faylona-Marcelo, the tollway company is pleased to help the government in its commitment to build more roads for the public.
“Aside from relieving traffic, this infrastructure is seen to enhance mobility and make economic activities in Meycauayan and nearby areas more efficient,” Marcelo noted, highlighting that “the service road also complements NLEX’s efforts to reduce traffic congestion.”
TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo mentioned that “the Department of Transportation fully supports road projects like this as the agency also strives to improve the way people move around the urban areas through better road transport solutions.”
Over the years, vehicular traffic on both the east and west directions of Meycauayan has dramatically increased owing to the City’s growing economy and expanding developments.
“The service road will improve the accessibility and address the increasing traffic volume in our City as we host many manufacturing and industrial companies,” said Meycauayan City Mayor Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica.
For his part, Bulacan 4th District Representative Henry R. Villarica underscored the collaboration of both the public and private sectors in completing the project, saying that “the new Meycauayan East Service Road is a testament of commitment and shared vision to boost public service.”
Soon, motorists may also enjoy a more direct local route to and from Meycauayan and Marilao as the DPWH and NLEX are currently working together on the construction of the 190-meter Marilao East Service Road.
In 2017, NLEX Corporation implemented a traffic improvement program in Meycauayan which included the construction of additional exits and the expansion of the southbound toll plaza.
These improvements generally reduced congestion during peak periods and translated to shorter travel times. Recently, it also undertook the rehabilitation of Meycauayan bridge to strengthen the structure and ensure the safety of motorists.
