New SLEX lanes operational next month

MANILA, Philippines — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is ready to open next month the new 6x6 lanes configuration of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), from Susana Heights in Muntinlupa to Calamba in Laguna.

SMC chairman and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said the at-grade expansion is proceeding on schedule, with the 29-kilometer stretch slated to open in the third week of December.

“This December, as our countrymen prepare to celebrate Christmas and travel more to spend time with friends and family, they can look forward to a wider, better SLEX. This will help in significantly reducing traffic buildup during the holiday rush,” Ang said.

The project is being undertaken by the SMC unit and SLEX’s concession holder SMC SLEX Inc.

Meanwhile, Ang said the construction of a road section, from Calamba to Sto. Tomas in Batangas, as well as expansion of 20 bridges connecting the SLEX main carriageway would be completed in July next year.

He said ensuring that SLEX is fully operational throughout the construction period has been a consistent priority of the company.

“Our contractors and project teams continue to do everything they can to minimize impact on vehicle traffic,” Ang said.  “We want to assure our motorists that we will continue to work as efficiently as possible, and minimize disruptions to travel as we complete the expansion.”

SLEX serves as the main expressway connecting Metro Manila to Calabarzon and nearby areas.

With the SLEX expansion, the SMC aims to support the growth of Calabarzon.

The SMC said the company has fully decommissioned the Calamba main toll plaza, which used to be a terminus of SLEX, and the SLEX Greenfield toll plaza, the terminus of the SLEX-Toll Road 3 project that connected Calamba to Sto. Tomas.