Govt to award P23.2B connector project to MPTDC

The government is awarding the P23.2 billion North Luzon Expressway – South Luzon Expressway (NLEX – SLEX) connector road project to Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation (MPTDC), the original proponent, after no other company submitted a comparative proposal Monday (July 25, 2016) this week.

The unsolicited project  will reduce congestion in Central Manila and around the Port Area. It will also provide an alternative route to the Circumferential Road 5 (C5), Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), and other major thoroughfares, reducing the two-hour travel time between the NLEx and SLEx to 15-20 minutes.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is preparing to award the four-lane elevated expressway to MPTDC and its subsidiaries, the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center announced the other day.

The connector road Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project involves the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the eight-kilometer Connector Road over the Philippine National Railway (PNR) right of way.

The project will start from C3 Road in Caloocan through Manila crossing España towards PUP and Sta. Mesa connecting Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS3).

The NLEx-SLEX Connector Road has a concession period of 37 years, inclusive of two-year construction period.

On May 6, 2010, MPTDC, along with subsidiary, Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC), submitted an amended and restated Unsolicited Proposal for the Project to DPWH.

On April 4, 2011, the agency granted MPTDC and MNTC “Original Proponent” status for the project, which was advertised on April 1, 2016 for submission of comparative proposals.

The connector project attracted seven firms including San Miguel Holdings Corp., Obrascon Huarte Lain SA, Hunan Road and Bridge Corp., plus four law firms.

However, these prospective bidders did not submit their proposals during this week’s deadline.

DPWH has set a tentative date of awarding the project this October and signing of contract in November this year.

Source: www.mb.com.ph