A segment of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIA-X) Christmas Lane has been opened in time for the expected influx of passengers arriving at the country’s main gateway.
On December 21, the Christmas Lane was officially opened to allow motorists access from Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard to Terminal 3 and the Skyway. This complements the first phase of the project, which connects Macapagal Boulevard and PAGCOR Entertainment City in Pasay to NAIA Terminals 1 and 2. This means NAIA terminals 1, 2, and 3 are now interconnected.
The NAIA-X Christmas Lane is expected to cut travel time by at least 40%, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the lead agency for the project. It is the first segment of the project’s Phase 2B.
The second section, construction of which is still ongoing, will facilitate travel to the South Luzon Expressway.
“We are committed to finishing the second section of the project, which would provide easier access to the South Luzon Expressway. We will maintain 24/7 operations until the project is completed,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.
The Department of Transportation, through attached agency Toll Regulatory Board, is the regulating body for the expressway.
The P20.45-billion NAIA Expressway Project is a four-lane, 12.65-kilometer elevated expressway and 2.22-kilometer at-grade road traversing Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Parañaque River, MIAA Road, and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.
After all phases are completed, the expressway is expected to provide easy access to and from NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, interfacing with SLEX through Sales Interchange, Manila Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex), and Macapagal Boulevard.
A total of 16 off and on ramps are being constructed along strategic locations at Villamor Airbase, Resorts World, NAIA Terminal 3, MIAA Road, Imelda Avenue, Cavitex, Seaside Drive, and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.
“By the first quarter of 2017, we hope to provide the public full access of NAIA Expressway, including Runway Manila,” Villar said.
Image courtesy of mapichai at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
