Expensive infrastructure projects, notably big expressways like Skyway Stage 3, are nearing completion. These constructions are designed to improve traffic flow in the surrounding neighborhoods by accelerating transit to, from, and around the Metro.
These expressway projects are also part of the government’s ambition to connect Luzon’s northern and southern areas by a massive road network known as the Luzon Spine Expressway Network. The Department of Public Works and Highways hopes to shorten the travel time between Ilocos and Bicol to nine hours under the Luzon Spine Expressway Network (LSEN) Program.
Luzon Spine Expressway Network: Travel from North to South in 9 Hours
Secretary Mark Villar of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) delivered an update on the other significant highways under LSEN that would be completed soon in a recent online meeting. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) expansion, also known as TR4, is one of the Philippines’ major roadways, as reported by Spot.ph.
Despite the fact that building began in March 2019, Package B is 2.58 percent complete and Package C is 30.61 percent complete, according to the DPWH. The agency also stated that the acquisition of the SLEX-TR4 right-of-way is presently underway.
SLEX-TR4 will then connect to SLEX-TR5, a four-lane, 416.48-kilometer toll road with eight parts in total. The highway connects Lucena City in Quezon province to Matnog in Sorsogon province. The development of this toll road has yet to begin.
The Camarines Sur Expressway, a 15.21-kilometer four-lane road connecting the towns of San Fernando and Pili, will be the network’s southernmost road. It is now 15% complete, and the DPWH estimates that it will not be finished until 2022.
Other expressways, both built and in the planning stages, that do not immediately connect the Metro to the southern provinces are also considered part of the LSEN. Central Luzon Link Expressway, NAIA Expressway, Manila-Cavite Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, and Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway are among them.
Unfortunately, Villar did not provide a broad estimate of the current state of the LSEN Program.
There looks to be a long way to go before all these expressways are completed. Nonetheless, it is something to look forward to in the future. We will cross our fingers that the traffic situation in Metro Manila and beyond improves in the next years.
Here’s a video update on the momentous infrastructure project that could change the face of mobility, trade and commerce, as well as domestic tourism in the country.
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