By Emmie V. Abadilla
The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation this week opened the new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Mabiga Interchange and NLEX Sta. Ines-Magalang Exit – two new projects to benefit motorists traveling along NLEX, SCTEX and MacArthur Highway within the Greater Clark area.
The tollways firm converted the SCTEX Mabiga into a full diamond interchange by building new access ramps with entry and exit toll plazas.
This major expressway redesign is seen to improve road safety on this strategic location where the two expressways systems merge with the local traffic network.
Also, the NLEX Sta. Ines interchange got a boost with the construction of a right-turning exit ramp to Mabalacat-Magalang Road to improve direct access to local roads in Magalang, Pampanga.
“These enhancements are intended to advance safety and productivity for both motorists and commuters by improving the connectivity of our expressways to and from the MacArthur Highway and other local roads in Pampanga,” Metro Pacific Tollways and NLEX Corporation President and CEO Rodrigo E. Franco reiterated.
These two interchanges will likewise help develop Mabalacat, providing better access and facilitate efficient transport of goods and services.
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the original concessionaire of the SCTEX, backed the company’s infrastructure projects.
“The interchange will enable a smooth and faster flow of traffic for motorists going to Subic or Tarlac,” according to BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio C. Dizon.
“The construction of two toll plazas and ramps and achieve a full diamond interchange, is an assurance that our private sector partner is committed to building world-class infrastructure projects that would bring a more convenient travel experience to many Filipinos.”
“This also proves that the turnover of SCTEX concession to the private sector in 2015 was a sound decision as the NLEX Corporation continues to further improve the expressway facilities and services,” he added.
“In this fast-paced era, connectivity does not only come in digitals but more so in our transport system and the North Luzon Expressway swiftly responds to the demand for better expressway services,” commented Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo C. Garbo Mayor Garbo said.
In 2016, the NLEX Corporation added 8 lane kilometers of new expressway lanes in Mabalacat City, including new bridges at Brgy. Balem and Brgy. Quitanguil. This project segregated northbound and southbound motorists along separate carriageways and have since enhanced traffic safety.