Philippines-based Optimal Infrastructure Development, owned by San Miguel (SMC), has been awarded a contract for the PHP15.52bn ($375m) Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway Phase II project.

Optimal Infrastructure Development’s bid of PHP11bn ($265.9m) won the right to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the public-private partnership project with a 30-year concession period.

Optimal Infrastructure Development outbid the lone pre-qualified bidder, Metro Pacific’s Manila North Tollways, which submitted PHP350m ($8.46m).

The Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio Singson said that the agency will now prepare the required documents to formalise the contract, with Optimal Infrastructure Development then able to start the implementation of the project.

"The new project is expected to be complete before 2016," Singson added.

"Optimal Infrastructure Development outbid the lone pre-qualified bidder, Metro Pacific’s Manila North Tollways."

The expressway project links NAIA terminals 1, 2 and 3 to run all the way to Pagcor City, providing tourists with easy access from the airport to the casino and resorts complex on Manila Bay.

This 7.15km elevated expressway will tie in with the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, where it will end through an interchange.

The project supplements the completed Phase I, which joins the existing Manila South Luzon Expressway at Sales Interchange.

Work under the second phase includes elevated travelway structures over the existing roads of Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Domestic Airport Road and MIA Road.

The project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board on 30 May 2012.

Pagcor Locators / Licenses will provide an infrastructure support fund in the amount of PHP6.5bn ($157m) for the construction of the project.