Thursday, December 5, 2024

Zooming Through the Holidays: SLEX's New 6x6 Lanes Configuration



COURTESY: San Miguel Corporation (SMC)

As the holiday season approaches, a welcome gift awaits motorists on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). With the much-anticipated opening of the new 6x6 lanes configuration from Susanna Heights, Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna, driving to Southern Luzon is set to become a whole lot smoother. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO, Ramon S. Ang, has confirmed that this at-grade expansion is on track to open by the third week of December, just in time for the Christmas rush. Let's dive into what this means for you, your holiday plans, and the broader region.



Imagine cruising down the expressway with two additional lanes on both the southbound and northbound sides. It's not just a dream—it's happening this December. The 29-kilometer stretch is being expanded to reduce the notorious holiday traffic buildup. Ang has emphasized that this expansion will make traveling to and from Southern Luzon not only faster but also more enjoyable.

This project, undertaken by SMC SLEX Inc., showcases a significant investment in infrastructure that promises to ease your travel woes. Picture yourself heading to a family gathering without the usual stress of bumper-to-bumper traffic. The timing couldn't be more perfect as families prepare to celebrate the festive season.



But wait, there's more! The expansion isn't stopping at Calamba. Construction is already underway to extend the improvements from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas. This includes the ambitious task of expanding approximately 20 bridges along the SLEX main carriageway, with completion slated for July 2025.

These developments are not just about roads; they're about connectivity. SLEX plays a pivotal role in linking Metro Manila to the CALABARZON region, which contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP. The expansion supports economic growth and regional development, ensuring that transportation keeps pace with the area's thriving industries.



In addition to widening the roadways, SMC is rolling out technological upgrades to enhance the driving experience. Automatic License Plate Reading (ALPR) cameras are being installed at toll plazas to comply with government mandates for barrier-less expressways. This means no more unnecessary stops at toll booths—just a smooth, uninterrupted drive.

The introduction of ALPR technology is part of the broader Seamless Southern Tollways project, which began in 2022. By reducing the number of stops along the Skyway System, SLEX, and Star Tollway, the project aims to streamline travel and minimize traffic congestion. It’s all about making your journey as stress-free as possible.



Throughout this expansion project, SMC has prioritized keeping SLEX fully operational. Ang assures that their contractors and project teams are working diligently to minimize the impact on traffic. The goal is not only to complete the expansion efficiently but also to ensure that your daily commute remains as smooth as possible during construction.

As the Calamba Main Toll Plaza and the SLEX Greenfield Toll Plaza are fully decommissioned, and structures dismantled, we see a clear path toward a better future. These decommissioned toll plazas mark the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in expressway travel.

In conclusion, the SLEX expansion is more than just a construction project; it's a vision for a better, faster, and more connected future. As you gear up for your holiday travels, look forward to the joys of a wider and improved expressway. With these changes, SMC is not only enhancing road infrastructure but also enriching the lives of everyone who travels these roads. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and let the holiday spirit take you on a smooth journey through the newly expanded SLEX.

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