President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is set to lead the official opening of the Central Luzon Link Expressway Contract Package 4, particularly the Aliaga–Cabanatuan section, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The newly completed segment is part of the broader Central Luzon Link Expressway project aimed at improving connectivity across Central Luzon. Spanning approximately 9.5 kilometers, the new section includes one interchange, three bridges, and several underpasses designed to ease traffic flow in the region.
According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, the expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City—from more than an hour, or as long as one hour and 30 minutes, down to just 20 minutes.
“Ito po yung dating isang oras kalahati (1 hour and 30 minutes), mula Tarlac City papuntang Cabanatuan ay magiging 20 minutes na lang,” Dizon said in an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
Dizon emphasized that the project responds to the President’s directive to accelerate infrastructure development, especially amid rising fuel costs.
“Sabi ng Pangulo, kailangan talaga [magbukas ang CLLEX] lalo ngayon nagtataasan ang presyo ng langis, diesel at ng gasolina. Kailangan bukas tayo ng bukas ng mga bagong kalye para hindi lang natin mapapaiksi ang travel time ng mga kababayan natin pero dahil doon makakatipid tayo ng konsumo sa gasolina, diesel at makakaupid tayo sa gastos ng mga kababayan,” Dizon said.
The expressway is part of a 30-kilometer network that the administration fast-tracked for public use ahead of the Holy Week exodus.
Dizon noted that the newly opened section provides a more direct route to the center of Cabanatuan, allowing motorists to bypass heavily congested portions of the Maharlika Highway, where traffic is often slowed by local vehicles.
The DPWH chief added that the San Juan Interchange will play a key role in decongesting traffic and improving mobility in the area.
The President earlier ordered the expedited completion of key infrastructure projects, including bypass roads across Central Luzon, to address worsening traffic congestion and provide long-term solutions for motorists.
“'Yun pong mga iba’t ibang kalye natin ay talagang papaspasan natin lalo na yung mga bypass road 'yan talaga ang solusyon na sa traffic kasi kung aasa lang tayo doon sa ating mga lumang highways ay talagang napaka-congested na mahirap na tayong mag-widen doon dahil nga sa dami ng mga bahay at mga establishment doon,” Dizon explained.
Meanwhile, the government assured the public that more infrastructure projects are underway, including flood control initiatives under “Oplan Kontra Baha” in Cagayan Valley.
The CLLEX will initially be toll-free, according to DPWH, allowing motorists to maximize its benefits during the busy Holy Week period.
The opening follows the recent launch of another major roadway project, the CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 3B, further highlighting the administration’s push to expand the country’s road network and improve transportation efficiency.
