A method is presented for forming interlayer connections in a semiconductor device. The method includes patterning an etch stack to provide for a plurality of interlayer connections, etching guide layers following the etch stack to a first capping layer to form a plurality of guide openings, concurrently exposing a first plurality of conductive lines and a second plurality of conductive lines to form a plurality of interlayer connection openings by etching through the plurality of guide openings to remove the first capping layer, an interlayer dielectric, and a second capping layer, and depositing a metal fill in the plurality of interlayer connection openings to form the plurality of interlayer connections.