President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday directed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure the timely completion of the New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) in Pampanga, which will help in reducing travel time from hour to 20 minutes.
In a speech, Marcos said the completion of the project will not only pave the way for more tourists and investments in Pampanga but will also propel economic and social transformation in the country by developing alternative growth areas outside Metro Manila.
“I ask you in the BCDA to ensure the completion of the remaining works for this 20-kilometer highway,” President Marcos told the BCDA.
“Once operational, it will reduce travel time between the Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to 20 minutes. It will also save commuters’ money – as ANAR is toll free,” President Marcos added.
The 19.81-kilometer six-lane ANAR connects the New Clark City (NCC) to the Clark International Airport (CIA).
“This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area. It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer,” the President stressed.
“It shows the path forward, of Building Better More so we will never lose our competitive advantage because unlocking the full potential of Clark is a continuing task,” he emphasized.
As of February 14, the access road is now 95.21 percent accomplished, with the remaining carriageway, or six-lane runway already fully completed while all remaining works are expected to be completed by June 24.
The 20-kilometer project, with a cost of PHP 8.42 billion, serves as a dedicated access road to enhance connectivity across Luzon and aims to revolutionize travel and trade between Central and Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Clark International Airport.
The road includes a 900-meter bridge over the Sacobia River in Bamban, Tarlac that showcases both engineering prowess and environmental sensitivity.
The ANAR project seeks to alleviate traffic congestion and boost economic growth by improving travel efficiency across Luzon, connecting major urban centers and transportation hubs.
