CLARK FREEPORT – The P2-billion worth of road improvements along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) has resulted to ease of travel increasing the economic activities in Central Luzon.
Data emanating from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) shows that since the opening of the SCTEx in 2008, the average daily traffic grew close to 600 percent from just 9,302 vehicles to 62,643 in 2018.
The BCDA and NLEx Corp. from 2013 to 2018, implemented some P2-billion worth of improvement and maintenance works along the 94-kilometer expressway. The management, operations and maintenance of SCTEx was turned over by BCDA to the NLEx Corp. in 2015.
The projects include the NLEx-SCTEx integration in 2016, which reduced toll collection stops and improved travel time of motorists; the expansion of Tipo Toll Plaza and Mabiga interchanges; asphalt overlay covering the full stretch of the SCTEx; and the establishment of two toll service facilities to provide travel convenience.
A new Traffic Control Room was put up and CCTV systems were installed to improve monitoring of real-time traffic. Also implemented were the installation of Emergency Call Boxes, LED lights, and crash cushions and reflective delineator plates for the safety of motorists.
“SCTEx has opened floodgates of opportunities as the faster and safer travel have encouraged investments and tourism in the region. We can see that industrial centers are booming particularly in Subic, Bataan, and Tarlac because mobility improvements are a come-on for motorists and investors,” NLEx Corp. president Luigi Bautista said.
It was noted that Central Luzon posted a gross domestic product (GDP) of 9.3 percent in 2017, almost three percent higher than the country’s GDP of 6.7 percent for the same year.
“Rest assured that we will continue to help in driving growth through our infrastructure developments,” Bautista added.
“Improvements in SCTEx infrastructure and service have proven instrumental in driving growth to the region. Motorists will have an even better travel experience in the coming years with the big projects planned for SCTEx,” said Engr. Joshua Bingcang, BCDA senior vice president for business development and operations.
Meanwhile, another P2-billion worth of projects are lined up for SCTEx, including the ongoing construction of the Bamban-Capas Interchange, which will connect the expressway to the New Clark City in time for the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th South East Asian Games this year.
By next year, NLEx Corp. will finish the expansion of the Clark South, Clark North, Luisita, and Tarlac interchanges to lessen the queuing time in toll plazas.
Ease of travel will further be improved with the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEx) to be completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways by 2020.
