Imagine driving smoothly from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon, all in just an hour. The Philippines is making strides towards this reality with the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (SLEX TR4,) a transformative infrastructure project set to redefine travel in the region.
Scheduled to span an impressive 66.74 kilometers, SLEX TR4 promises to slash travel times from a lengthy four hours to a mere one-hour escapade. This venture, headed by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC,) represents a bold investment of P8 billion this year alone, reflecting a commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://api.easyrock.com.ph/v1/media/display?bucket=static.easyrock.com.ph&amp;key=attachments/2024/4/7YZ66Ni0KyilEuLXx8IvZ.png" alt="" width="700" height="465" /> Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways
Ramon Ang, the President of SMC, envisions SLEX TR4 as a game-changer, rivaling even the renowned Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) in scale. Upon completion, this four-lane toll road will feature seven strategically placed interchanges, weaving through key points like Santo Tomas, Batangas; Makban and San Pablo City in Laguna; and Tiaong, Candelaria, Tayabas, and Lucena City in Quezon Province.
Anticipated to make its debut by 2025, SLEX TR4's inception traces back to 2012 when initial concepts were presented to the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). However, it wasn't until March 26, 2019, that construction officially commenced, marking a significant step towards realizing this ambitious vision.
The SLEX TR4 isn't just a road; it's proof of the Philippine government's robust "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure program. Divided into five distinct segments, with plans for a compelling extension to Mayao in Lucena, this project signals a new era of efficient travel, promising unforgettable adventures and seamless connections for generations to come.