Since its opening in February this year, over 1.3 million motorists traveling to and from Subic have benefitted from the travel convenience brought by the recently expanded Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX). The new road was also seen to have helped businesses, especially those located in the freeport area, recover from the economic impact of the global health crisis.
“Infrastructure developments like the recently expanded SFEX offer a breath of fresh air amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as they enable access and improve mobility in the Central Luzon region thus offer opportunities for people and businesses alike,” said Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX Corporation president and general manager.
NLEX Corporation completed the PHP 1.6-billion expansion of the 8.2-kilometer SFEX last February 2021. The expansion increased the expressway capacity from one lane to two lanes in each direction.
A total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel were constructed as part of the SFEX expansion project. To boost motorists’ safety, the tollway company also installed LED lights, raised the elevation of the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and improved the area’s drainage system.
The new SFEX promotes travel efficiency along the Pampanga-Bataan-Zambales corridor and helps increase the areas’ competitiveness in trade and tourism industries.
Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton of Hermosa, Bataan expressed optimism that despite the current pandemic, his municipality gains because of the smoother and easier travel being facilitated by the expanded SFEX expressway.
“Hermosa continues to be progressive with these new infrastructure developments and growing investments. This improved SFEX is a big boost to various businesses housed in the Hermosa Special Economic Zone,” Inton noted.
Also emerging as one of the viable locations for investors is Dinalupihan which is rich in agricultural produce.
“The vision of the Municipality of Dinalupihan is to be a model agropolis in Central Luzon. Dinalupihan is positioned as a Logistics Hub, and home to globally competitive agricultural products and value-adding services. The Subic Freeport Expressway provides critical infrastructure support to Dinalupihan’s strategic priorities,” Dinalupihan, Bataan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia pointed out.
Bautista added that infrastructure projects that are being undertaken by the company are all aimed at increasing economic productivity and providing the public with better access to businesses, education, employment, and other services.
“As a government partner in nation-building, we remain committed to affording our motorists and communities the enhanced connectivity and accessibility and be a critical enabler for various industries,” said Bautista.