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From Dec 28 to January 15, 2021, the expanded section of the 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway will be open from 6am to 6pm
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The P1.6 billion SFEX Capacity Expansion entails conversion of the expressway to a 2×2 divided expressway to increase capacity from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction
Starting December 28 until January 15, 2021, the expanded section of the 8.2-kilometer (km) Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) will be opened temporarily to serve motorists coming in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone during the holiday season.
The new SFEX road, constructed beside the existing SFEX carriageway, will be open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. It will be closed from 6:01 pm to 5:59 am the next day for the continuing construction of remaining works, concessionaire NLEX Corp. said in a statement.
“The project is 92% complete. While there are still works to be done in some areas, we are temporarily opening the new road to ease the travel of our motorists this holiday season, especially the truckers and merchants who are delivering essential goods,” said Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, who joined the ceremonial drive-thru of the new expressway lanes.
The P1.6-billion SFEX Capacity Expansion entails conversion of the expressway to a 2×2 divided expressway, with the construction of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel. This will increase road capacity of SFEX from one lane in each direction to two lanes in each direction.
The project includes installation of expressway-standard LED lights, the raising of elevation of Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and enhancement of the drainage system for better flood management in the area.
NLEX Corp. said a series of road safety audits showed that the whole project alignment, except for the portion of Jadjad Bridge which is still under construction, has complied with safety requirements, thus safe for use by the motoring public.
The SFEX Capacity Expansion is envisioned to enhance accessibility and promote travel efficiency on this key road that connects Bataan and Zambales. It is also expected to boost Subic’s competitiveness as an ideal shipping gateway for businesses in Central and North Luzon.
“With the improved and expanded SFEX, the transport of goods in and out of the Subic Freeport will be faster and easier. Night driving will also be equally safe and enjoyable for our motorists,” NLEX Corp. president and general manager J. Luigi Bautista said.
The SFEX was built when the Philippines was chosen to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 1996. It initially aimed to cut down travel time from Hermosa, Bataan to Subic, Zambales from almost one hour to less than 10 minutes. With the capacity expansion project, NLEX Corp. said more motorists will be accommodated at any given time and will enjoy a safer and more convenient journey.