Batangas vice governor urges opening of SLEX-TR3

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Vice Gov. Marc Leviste yesterday made an urgent appeal for the immediate opening of the South Luzon Expressway extension – Toll Road 3 (SLEX-TR3) to ease traffic in the Southern Tagalog region.

Leviste also requested the Toll Regulatory Board and South Luzon Tollway Corp. (SLTC) to allow motorists to use the toll road for free for the first weeks from the soft opening, or for the duration of the holi­days as part of their “Christmas goodwill.” The free use will allow users to test the toll road facilities and operations, he said.

“On behalf of my constituents, various industries as well as the general public and together with Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, I am appealing to the national government and the project proponent to open the toll road very soon. This will definitely foster business and tourism in the immediate environs,” said Leviste.

The seven-kilometer, P1.14 billion SLEX-TR3 project was inaugurated by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in June. The flagship roadwork was established to promote the business and industry centers in the southern corridor in an effort to decongest the metropolis. The road connecting SLEX and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway) and developed by the Makati Development Corp. can lessen travel time by at least 30 minutes as motorists can bypass the heavily congested Turbina highway passing through the Laguna and Batangas industrial parks.

“Gov. Vilma and our provincial board have the support of the different businesses within our area of responsibility, industrial park associations, and different business organizations in our call for the full operation of SLEX-TR3. We are confident that its opening will pave the way for further progress and enhanced productivity in Batangas and neighboring provinces including the island provinces of MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marin­duque, Romblon, Palawan). For motorists, SLEX-TR3 will considerably lessen vehicle wear and tear brought about by poor roads,” Leviste said.

Under the rules, the TRB, which oversees the operation of toll roads and the imposition of toll fees, must approve the opening of SLEX-TR3. It can waive the exaction of fees during the soft opening and set the toll rates thereafter based on the proposed rates of the private deve­loper.

“SLEX-TR3 has been turned over as early as June and we see no reason to stall its actual opening. Since I am committed to look after the welfare of my constituent Batangueños, the toll road opening will complement the Batangas provincial government’s livelihood, infrastructure development, and tourism,” Leviste said.