The expansion of the capacity of the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) is now 85 percent completed, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said after he joined a recent progress inspection.
(MARK VILLAR FACEBOOK / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Villar and NLEX corporation officials led the progress inspection of the capacity expansion project of the 8.2-kilometer, which features new bridges and a tunnel that are being constructed adjacent to the existing ones.
It is a P1.6-billion expansion project that aims to increase road capacity of the expressway, which traverses Bataan to Zambales, from one lane to two lanes in each direction.
One of the main features of the project is the new tunnel. Two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut are also being implemented.
Aside from these, expressway-standard LED lights are being installed to enhance motorists’ visibility especially when driving at night.
The SFEX capacity expansion project is aimed at improving traffic safety and easing travel to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone to better accommodate the growing number of vehicles.
The expansion effort is also seen to expedite the delivery of goods, support trade and tourism in Subic, and complement Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s (SBMA) infrastructure development.
Public Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, NLEX Corporation Chief Operating Officer Raul Ignacio, and Vice President for Tollway Development and Engineering Nemesio Castillo also joined the inspection.