The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is moving to unlock faster access to Central Luzon’s biggest industrial estates as it prepares to open bidding next week for the expansion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Luisita Interchange in Tarlac City.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said the agency will publish the invitation to bid for the construction and completion of two new interchange ramps spanning roughly 600 meters, with an estimated project cost of P250 million. The upgrade is expected to address long-standing traffic limitations while supporting large-scale industrial and commercial developments in the area.
“The interchange is a strategic infrastructure project that will attract more investments, generate jobs, and accelerate growth in Tarlac and nearby areas,” Bingcang said during a January 7 press briefing.
Tarlac has emerged as a key investment hub, hosting major estates such as Ayala Land’s 290-hectare Cresendo development and Aboitiz Economic Estates’ 384-hectare TARI Estate. Improved connectivity through the Luisita Interchange is seen as critical to maximizing the value of these projects, particularly for logistics, manufacturing, and mixed-use developments.
Once expanded, the interchange will correct its current directional and incomplete layout. At present, vehicles from Luisita cannot enter SCTEX northbound, while northbound motorists on SCTEX are unable to exit toward Central Luzon via Luisita—constraints that have limited traffic flow and economic activity.
“The interchange will further enhance not just New Clark City, but the entire province of Tarlac, the whole of Central Luzon, and even Northern Luzon,” Bingcang said.
BCDA has already secured design approval from the Toll Regulatory Board and budget clearance from its board, clearing key regulatory hurdles and setting the stage for project implementation.
With bidding set to begin, the agency aims to fast-track construction and deliver an infrastructure boost that could reshape regional growth corridors.
