SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna (PIA)—After years of planning, development, and construction, motorists can now access the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) San Pedro Northbound Exit Interchange, which finally opened following the successful inauguration ceremony of the toll road on Friday, August 1.
The development of the interchange was initiated to address the persistent clamor of San Pedro residents for a northbound exit, given that a southbound exit exists in the expressway.
According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, the project serves as a clear example of what can be achieved when the government, private sector and the community collaborate to build a more connected and resilient nation.
“This is one of San Miguel Corporation’s modern tollways, and I’m amazed at how it turned out. I appreciate my colleagues’ hard work in making this project a reality. This reflects the projects we prioritize under our president’s administration to address the needs of our citizens,” Bonoan stated.
Vince Dizon, Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), also stated that the project is not only a response to the resident’s long-standing request for an entry point to Metro Manila, but it will also reduce travel time to Manila by 45 minutes and help alleviate local traffic congestion in the city.
“The situation for our motorists is very challenging because there is no way out of San Pedro, there are roads leading into the city, but none for going out. This is the essence of the ‘Build Better More’ initiative of our president, it’s at the core of this project. We really need to make the lives of our motorists and commuters more convenient,” he said.
According to Laguna First District Representative Ann Matibag, after several years of preparation and construction, she ensured the continuation of what other legislators had started for the benefit of their constituents, allowing them to have a proper and reliable road out of the city.
“I know that our constituents are happier than anyone else, I know that our citizens, our fellow San Pedrenses, are the happiest. This is our gift to all of you, this project is part of a broader initiative of Bagong Pilipinas,” Matibag said.
The DOTr and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), with SLEX operation San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Tollways, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the interchange.
The project is expected to improve road network connectivity and regional mobility, particularly within the CALABARZON region. This interchange will accommodate 5,000 to 10,000 vehicles daily and reduce travel time for San Pedrenses heading to Metro Manila, providing them with direct expressway access.
The new expressway interchange was implemented by the DPWH Regional Office IV-A and the Laguna 2nd District Engineering Office through multi-year contracts beginning in 2018, at a cost of P915 million.
Following the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the project seeks to enhance the comfort of Filipino commuters and travelers and to ensure wider connectivity to places for continued progress and development. (CH, CO/PIA4A)