Sunday, March 23, 2008 Thousands of motorists cruise along SCTex
CLARK FREEPORT -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) reported that thousands of motorists have used the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTex) over the past five days since its soft opening on March 18.
On Day one alone, a total of 2,356 Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles did a trial run on the 50.5-kilometer portion of the SCTex from Clark Freeport in Pampanga to Subic Freeport in Zambales following the opening ceremony led by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The Presidential entourage set in motion the week-long free trial run dubbed "Handog ni Pangulong Gloria, Libreng Biyahe sa SCTex" that would last until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The freeway is open only from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. SCTex program manager Robert Gervacio announced that motorists using the SCTex during the Lenten Season could avail themselves of "reliable and expert road assistance" courtesy of the Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), which also operates North Luzon Expressway (Nlex).
Gervacio said the TMC, designated interim SCTex operator, has deployed patrol vehicles, service crews and other Nlex staff members to ensure adequate assistance to motorists.
Charly Espanola, TMC division head for the SCTex, said they have also fielded emergency medical services, towing crew, and repair technicians along the Subic-Clark portion.
"There is a composite security team deployed along the Subic-Clark segment coming from the BCDA, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to ensure the safety of our motorists," Espanola said.
The BCDA said it expects big volume of traffic along the Subic-Clark segment because the new expressway offers faster and more convenient travel to Subic and Clark.
The SCTex is directly linked to Nlex via a two-kilometer spur road and interchange just after the northbound Dau exit of the Nlex.
A one-page advisory distributed along the Nlex since Tuesday said Subic-bound motorists can take the spur interchange between the Dau and Sta. Ines exits of the Nlex and then proceed to the SCTex Clark Logistics Toll Plaza, turning left for Subic.
Those bound for Bataan can exit at the SCTex Dinalupihan interchange via the Roman Highway.
From Subic and Bataan bound for Manila, motorists can enter the SCTex at the Tipo Toll Plaza and the Dinalupihan Toll Plaza, respectively.
They exit at the Clark Logistics Toll Plaza, and then through the Spur Road connecting to Nlex.
Only Class 1 (light) vehicles, tourist and chartered buses and motorcycles with engine displacements of 400cc and above are allowed to use the SCTex during the dry run.
The TMC and BCDA also advised that there are no service areas yet along the SCTex, and that the nearest stops for rest areas are along Nlex and inside Subic.
In case of emergencies, motorists are encouraged to call the SCTex hotline (045) 865-2030, (02) 3629997 and (02) 3622246. (Reynaldo G. Navales)
