National

CLLEX NOW OPEN; TARLAC TO CABANATUAN TRAVEL TIME REDUCED FROM 1.5 HOURS TO 20 MINUTES

admin April 3, 2026

THE Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Contract Package 4, which connects the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) to Cabanatuan City, is now open and is expected to shorten travel time from one and a half hours to just 20 minutes.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the opening of the CLLEX Contract Package 4, a key infrastructure project that will improve connectivity and significantly reduce travel time between Tarlac and Cabanatuan.

The newly opened segment extends CLLEX from the San Juan Interchange in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, to the Cabanatuan exit, completing Phase 1 of the 29.2-kilometer, four-lane expressway.

“Malaking bagay ito dahil unang-una, alam naman natin ngayon na ang inaalala natin ang konsumo ng krudo, ng gasolina ay sa bawas ng tagal ng biyahe ay mababawasan din ang konsumo sa fuel,” President Marcos said in his remarks.

The President underscored the importance of the expressway to Nueva Ecija, known as the country’s rice granary, noting that improved road access will help reduce transport costs and support efforts to keep rice prices stable.

President Marcos added that lower logistics expenses are critical in preventing price increases in essential goods, particularly food, which are often affected by rising fuel prices.

The newly opened segment is expected to benefit approximately 11,500 motorists daily.

TOLL FREE UNTIL DECEMBER

President Marcos also announced that the newly opened section will be toll-free until December.

“Libre muna. Kaya puwede nang dumaan ang mga iba’t ibang truck para marilyebo natin pa ang traffic sa MacArthur (Highway),” the President said.

“Basta’t bumilis ang biyahe, nababawasan ang bayad sa konsumo at ‘yung produkto na dinadala ng ating mga truck ay hindi tataas ang presyo. Kaya ‘yan ang malaking epekto dito.”

The CLLEX Phase 1 is a P10-billion project funded through official development assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Chief Executive said the project forms part of broader efforts to enhance transportation networks, particularly by developing east-west corridors that complement existing north-south highways.

Once completed, CLLEX will improve access across Luzon, decongest major roads like the MacArthur Highway, and make it easier to move goods and people throughout the region.