THE NLEx Corp. on Wednesday announced that better and safer road infrastructure is on the way after the company allocated P105 million worth of improvements for enhancement works at the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx).
ROAD TREAT Pavement surface upgrade at the Tarlac-bound portion of the Subic Freeport Expressway aims for safer and comfortable travel for motorists. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
These enhancement works include pavement surface upgrade, construction of ditch and slope protection, installation of guard rails and application of hazard paint to make the SFEx and its surrounding slopes safer for motorists.
"We aim to make our roads safe for all weather conditions. With these enhancements, we expect to further protect motorists from roadside hazards by strengthening the slopes and improving the drainage system and other safety features at the SFEx," NLEx Corp. president J. Luigi Bautista said.
The pavement surface upgrade, which will help drain water away from the roadway, especially during heavy rains, covers a total length of 4,374 linear meters between Jadjad and Argonaut bridges.
To stabilize the slopes and prevent erosion, a wire mesh is being installed and concrete is being applied on a 1,830-square meter portion of the SFEx. Concrete barriers and other structures are painted with hazard warning marking to make motorists aware of potential risks.
It was learned that in February 2021, NLEx Corp. completed the SFEx capacity expansion wherein a total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges and a new tunnel were constructed as part of the P1.6-billion expansion project.
The tollway company also installed international standard LED lights, raised the elevation of the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction and enhanced the area's drainage system to boost motorists' safety.
"This was constructed despite the pandemic in response to the need to accelerate business activities and facilitate the flow of goods and services between the economic zones in Clark and Subic. It has been fulfilling its primary function of improving mobility and helping the infrastructure development program and growing transshipment operations in Subic," Bautista said.
NLEx Corp. is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp.