MANILA, Philippines – Good news for motorists. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is adding two more northbound and southbound lanes this December, just in time for the holiday rush.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 26, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said motorists can access the new lanes from Susana Heights in Muntinlupa up to Calamba, Laguna starting on the third week of December. The expanded 6×6 lanes on either side of the expressway spans 29 kilometers.
“The SLEX expansion is a major undertaking that entailed significant effort and investment, and a lot of patience and cooperation from motorists and stakeholders,” SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon Ang said.
“We are very glad that motorists can soon enjoy faster trips to and from Southern Luzon,” he added.
The expressway serves as one of the main roads connecting Metro Manila to the Calabarzon region.
Passengers may also notice smoother and faster rides through the expressway’s toll roads. SMC said it installed automatic license plate reading cameras at the toll plazas in a bid to decrease traffic buildup.
The opening of the additional lanes is on track with the company’s previous projections that it will be completed before the year ends. Its board of directors had approved an additional P3.27 billion budget, boosting its total capital expenditures to P11.33 billion, to fund toll road projects including the expansion of SLEX.
The SLEX remained operational despite construction work.
In addition to the 6×6 lane expansion, the company also decommissioned its Calamba Main Toll Plaza and the SLEX Greenfield Toll Plaza, the terminus of SLEX-Toll Road 3 project. The company said that the roads will be paved to give way to other expansion plans. – Rappler.com
