NLEX starts P1.6 B SFEX works

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. unit NLEX Corp. plans to complete in a year’s time the P1.6-billion capacity expansion of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) as construction activity goes full blast.

NLEX held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday for the 8.2-kilometer project aimed at improving traffic safety and easing travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Completion of the SFEX capacity expansion is targeted in September next year.

“One of the key drivers of economic growth is a network of high-quality roads. The NLEX Corp. through NLEX, SCTEX, and the soon-to-be expanded SFEX not only intends to accelerate development, but also hopes to encourage travel convenience and road safety,” NLEX president and general manager Luigi Bautista said.

The project will increase road capacity from one lane in each direction to two lanes each with the construction of two additional expressway lanes, together with two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel.

NLEX said the new bridges and the tunnel would be constructed parallel to the existing ones.

Also included in the project are the installation of expressway-standard LED lights as part of the tollway company’s efforts to improve motorists’ visibility when driving at night, the raising of Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and the enhancement of the drainage system to help alleviate flooding in the area.

Once completed, the project will enhance accessibility and promote travel efficiency on the key road connecting Bataan and Zambales.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma said the expansion project is expected to boost Subic’s competitiveness in trade and tourism industries.

“The project will help sustain Subic’s position as a globally competitive trade and tourism hub. This road expansion will complement SBMA’s infrastructure development program and promotion of Subic as an ideal shipping gateway for businesses in Central and North Luzon,” she said.

In line with the ongoing construction, NLEX committed to plant more trees to replace those affected by the road project.