San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Wednesday said the new 6-lane configuration of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) from Susana Heights, Muntinlupa, to Calamba, Laguna, will open in December, just in time for the holiday rush.
The at-grade expansion, undertaken by SMC subsidiary, SLEX Concessionaire Inc., will add two additional lanes on both the northbound and southbound stretches of the 29-kilometer highway. This much-anticipated upgrade is slated to be completed by the third week of December, providing motorists a wider and smoother route just as travel peaks during the Christmas season.
Ramon S. Ang, chairman and CEO of SMC, emphasized the importance of the SLEX expansion in alleviating traffic congestion during the holidays. “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 expansion will significantly reduce traffic buildup during the holiday rush,” Ang said in a statement.
The broader SLEX expansion is part of a larger effort that includes the construction of the Calamba-to-Sto. Tomas, Batangas section, along with the upgrading of approximately 20 bridges that connect the main expressway. This phase of the project is expected to be completed by July 2025.
Ang acknowledged the significant investment and effort involved in the SLEX expansion, noting that the company had worked closely with stakeholders and motorists to minimize disruptions. “Ensuring that SLEX remains operational throughout the construction period has been a priority. We’re doing everything we can to reduce the impact on traffic while ensuring the safety and convenience of our users,” he said.
As the vital artery linking Metro Manila to the CALABARZON region and beyond, SLEX plays a central role in the economic growth of Region 4A, which contributes about 15 percent of the country’s GDP. The expansion is expected to further boost regional development, particularly by facilitating smoother travel and trade along this key corridor.
In addition to widening the carriageway, SMC has also modernized its toll systems. The Calamba Main Toll Plaza, once the terminus of SLEX, and the SLEX Greenfield Toll Plaza have both been decommissioned. The old toll structures are being dismantled, with plans to pave the area as expansion work progresses.
The company has also introduced Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras at toll plazas, as part of its commitment to creating barrier-less expressways and easing traffic flow. The ALPR system enables faster toll transactions, reducing the need for motorists to stop or slow down, and minimizing the risk of traffic build-up, particularly during peak hours.
In 2022, SMC rolled out the Seamless Southern Tollways project, which unified toll systems across the Skyway, SLEX, and Star Tollway, making travel even more efficient for motorists traveling through Southern Luzon.
With the SLEX expansion nearing completion, commuters can soon expect a faster, more efficient route that supports both daily travel and economic growth in the region.
