Sunday, March 16, 2008 SCTEx opens for March 18-24 dry run By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Motorists may use Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) Subic-Clark segment for free from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 18 to March 24 as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) conducts a dry run for the soon-to-be-operational toll road.
BCDA president Narciso Abaya said the dry run of the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark segment would be beneficial for motorists bound for Bataan and Olongapo, and Subic, which has been a major tourist destination during the Lenten season.
The free Holy Week dry run dubbed "Handog ni Pangulong Gloria: Libreng Biyahe sa SCTEx" is an initiative of the Office of the President, BCDA and other agencies.
Only Class 1 or light vehicles, chartered buses and motorcycles with an engine displacement of 400 cubic centimeters or higher will be allowed to enter the expressway during the free Holy Week trial run.
Motorists coming from Nlex bound for Subic are advised to take the Spur/NLE interchange located between the Dau and Sta. Inez Exits of Nlex and proceed to the SCTEx Clark Logistics Toll Plaza.
After crossing the bridge, motorists should follow the loop of the ramp towards Subic. Motorists are also advised to follow the appropriate road directional signage.
Likewise, motorists at SCTEx bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan Interchange via the Roman highway.
On the other hand, motorists from Subic and Bataan bound for Manila are advised to enter the SCTEx through the Tipo Toll Plaza or the Dinalupihan Toll Plaza, respectively, and follow the road signage towards the Clark Logistics Toll Plaza.
Upon reaching the Clark Logistics interchange, they should take the first ramp to the right that will lead to the toll plaza, then the Spur/NLE interchange connecting to Nlex.
Travel time from Clark to Subic will be reduced to a mere 40 minutes.
From Nlex in Balintawak to Subic, travel time will only be about one hour and 30 minutes.
The SCTEx is a flagship project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and is among the mega-projects intended to transform Central and Northern Luzon into a super region.
It is expected to serve as the new economic backbone for Central Luzon and the adjoining regions that is expected to create wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
