San Miguel Corporation (SMC) on Thursday projected completing the expansion of the South Luzon Expressway by December this year, just in time for the Christmas holidays.
The expansion project, already about 70 percent complete, is seen to further boost the economic prospects of the CALABARZON region and provide significant benefits for motorists.
The SLEX expansion project, led by SMC SLEX Inc., aims to widen the expressway from three to four lanes at present to six lanes on each side. This is expected to dramatically improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity between southern and northern Luzon.
The expansion program comes in response to the significant growth in traffic volume traced to dramatic economic and population growth in recent years.
“The SLEX expansion will be a significant boost to the CALABARZON region, which generates almost 20 percent of the country’s GDP,” Ramon S. Ang , SMC president and chief executive, said.
The expanded expressway will offer faster, safer, and more convenient travel for southern residents, including those who commute to Metro Manila. It will also facilitate the influx of investments in the region and help in decongesting Metro Manila.
Ang sought the public’s understanding to the temporary traffic slowdowns reported along the expressway due to the ongoing construction works.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused during this period. However, the long-term benefits, including improved traffic conditions and regional economic support, will be substantial,” he said.
Also, while most landowners affected by the SLEX expansion project have been cooperative, a few have proven difficult by demanding excessive disturbance fees that threaten to increase project costs and potentially delay its completion.
In particular, one involves a property owner in San Pedro City who demanded a disproportionate compensation for alleged disruptions, even as construction work is being done outside their property line.
Ang gave assurance SMC is committed to resolving these issues promptly and equitably to ensure minimal disruption to all parties involved and that the project stays on schedule.
Ang also expressed appreciation to government stakeholders — from the Department of Transportation and the Toll Regulatory Board to the different local governments along the SLEX route — for their support in managing daily traffic effectively.
