P1-B earmarked for SCTEX expansion

Around P1 billion is being allocated for the upgrade of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

BCDA President and Chief Executive Office Joshua Bingcang said SCTEX will be expanded and extended to accommodate the increasing volume of traffic.

The budget will be for the improvement of the SCTEX estimated to be completed within the next two years, said Bingcang.

He added about P750 million is earmarked for the expansion and construction of three interchanges including the completion of the Luisita interchange in Tarlac City.

Northbound entry and southbound exit will be constructed at the Luisita interchange, which has only one exit going to Tarlac City, leaving motorists heading to the north from the Manila North Road or MacArthur Highway unable to enter the SCTEX.

On the southbound lane, vehicles headed for Manila or Clark from Tarlac City can enter SCTEX, but those coming from the north cannot enter the Luisita interchange due to the absence of a southbound exit ramp.

Bingcang said that once improved and completed, the Luisita interchange will provide access to industrial hubs and township developments such as the Luisita Industrial Park, Cresendo of AyalaLand, and TARI Estate of Aboitiz Infracapital.

On the westbound lane of the expressway going to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, BCDA will construct a new interchange at the Hermosa section to improve access to the Bataan Technology Park and Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters in Morong.

BCDA will also upgrade the Mabalacat interchange, which connects the SCTEX and North Luzon Expressway.