The much anticipated expressway from Metro Manila to Bicol region is gradually gaining ground after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) signed on Friday, June 3, the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) for the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 5 (SLEX TR5) with the San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
Based on the project description of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the 417-kilometer TR5 will start at the South Luzon Expressway TR4 Project in Barangay Mayao in Lucena City and ends near the Matnog Ferry Port in Sorsogon.
TR5 Project, a 4-lane divided toll road with 28 interchanges, has eight segments which will run parallel to the existing Philippine National Railway, Maharlika Highway and Padre Burgos National Road or Quirino Highway:
Segment I: Lucena to Gumaca, Quezon, 59.60 kms.
Segment II: Gumaca to Tagkawayan, Quezon, 62.40 kms.
Segment III: Tagkawayan to Sipocot, Camarines Sur, 59.0 kms.
Segment IV: Sipocot to Naga City, Camarines Sur 35.40 kms.
Segment V: Naga City to Polangui, Albay, 48.00 kms.
Segment VI: Polangui to Legazpi City, Albay, 35.00 kms.
Segment VII: Legaspi to Sorsogon City, Sorsogon, 54.30 kms.
Segment VIII: Sorsogon City to Matnog, Sorsogon, 62.78 kms.
"The SLEX TR5 will connect the Provinces of Quezon and Bicol. It is also expected to provide better and safer access to tourism destinations, ro-ro ports, and fish ports in the two provinces and address traffic congestion in the Bicol Region," said Tugade.
The SLEX Toll Road 5 is under a joint venture of the San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SHMC) and the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC).