[1] The expressway was originally planned in 2000, when the route would have linked to the Cagayan Valley,[2] and was later revised in the 2010s under the subsequent administrations.

Also known as La Mesa Parkways Project,[3] the first phase of NLEE starts as a 19-kilometer (12 mi) toll road, beginning in Commonwealth Avenue - La Mesa Parkway and/or junction of C–6 in San Jose del Monte, before continuing to Bigte, Norzagaray with an interchange at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (Tungkong Mangga).

Bridges will be required for the project to cross Bulacan's major waterway, the Angat River.

It shall pass through the cities and towns of Gapan, San Leonardo, and Santa Rosa parallel to the Pan-Philippine Highway (AH26).

The project will also cater to women working in its construction to promote gender equality in the workforce.