Sunday, April 06, 2008 SCTEx opens for long weekend
THE state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will again open the newly constructed Subic-Clark segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) for free to light vehicles from April 5 to 9.
On April 5 (Saturday), the Subic-Clark segment will be open starting 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. On April 6 (Sunday) to April 9 (Wednesday) it will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
SCTEX spokesman Robert Gervacio said opening the 50.5-km Subic-Clark segment will give motorists speedy and comfortable travel to their choice of destination in Bataan, Olongapo and Zambales especially the Subic Bay.
"The five-day free access to the country's newest and most modern toll road is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's treat to the public on the occasion of her birthday," Gervacio said.
The BCDA said only Class 1 or light vehicles, chartered buses and motorcycles with an engine displacement of 400 cc or higher will be allowed to enter the expressway.
Motorists coming from North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) bound for Subic are advised to take Spur/NLE interchange located between the Dau and Sta. Ines Exits of Nlex and proceed to the SCTEx Clark Logistics Toll Plaza. After crossing the bridge, follow the loop of the ramp towards Subic.
Motorists are advised to follow the appropriate road directional signage.
From McArthur Highway, motorists can take the Mabiga-Mabalacat U-turn slot to access the SCTEx Clark Logistics Interchange.
Likewise, motorists at SCTEx bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan Interchange to the Roman highway.
On the other hand, motorists from Subic Bay and Bataan bound for Manila are advised to enter the SCTEx through the Tipo Toll Plaza or the Dinalupihan Toll Plaza, respectively.
Upon reaching the Clark Logistics interchange, take the first ramp to the right that will lead to the toll plaza, then Spur/NLE interchange connecting to Nlex.
Motorists bound for Manila may also opt to take Nlex exit in Mabalacat going to McArthur Highway and proceed to Dau and enter Nlex towards Manila.
Travel time from Clark to Subic will be reduced to a mere 40 minutes.
From Nlex in Balintawak to Subic Bay, travel time will only be one hour and 30 minutes.
Gervacio said the SCTEx operator, Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), has deployed emergency medical services and towing crew, as well as roadside repair technicians along the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark portion of the toll road that connects Central Luzon's two most important economic zones.
Motorists are advised to call SCTEx Hotline for assistance at telephone numbers (045) 865-2030, (02) 3629997 and (02) 3622246.
The entire 93.77-km SCTEx is expected to be inaugurated by President Arroyo by end-April. The P27.2-B expressway is a flagship project of President 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 seen to create wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.
