SMC to build P300-B toll roads

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is set to begin construction of two major tollway projects—the Northern Access Link Expressway (NALEx) and the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx)—within the first quarter of the year, according to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).

TRB Executive Director Alvin Carullo confirmed that both projects, with a combined cost exceeding P300 billion, are in the final engineering design stage.

The P148.30-billion NALEx, which will be built in two phases, is the first component of the Greater Capital Region Integrated Expressways Network. It will enhance connectivity between Metro Manila, the New Manila International Airport, and Central Luzon. The second phase will extend the expressway from Pampanga to Tarlac City.

Meanwhile, the P152.39-billion SALEx will serve as the second component of the network. It will feature an elevated expressway, including the Shoreline Expressway and Metro Manila Skyway, to improve road infrastructure in the region.

Last week, SMC and the government signed a right-of-way agreement for the 32.7-kilometer Southeast Metro Manila Expressway project.

Expected to be completed within three years, this expressway will connect the existing Skyway at FTI in Taguig City to the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, further enhancing mobility in the metropolis. TRACY CABRERA