AT LEAST 1.3 million motorists have accessed the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) since its opening in February 2021.

Aside from providing convenience to motorists, the new expressway has also help local businesses recover from the economic impact of the global health crisis.

“Infrastructure developments like the recently expanded SFEX offer a breath of fresh air amidst the Covid-19 pandemic as they enable access and improve mobility in the Central Luzon region thus offer opportunities for people and businesses alike,” NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luigi Bautista said.

The NLEX Corporation completed last February 2021, the P1.6-billion expansion of the 8.2-kilometer SFEX to increase the expressway capacity from one lane to two lanes in each direction.

A total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel were constructed as part of the expansion project. To boost motorists’ safety, the tollway company also installed LED lights, raised the elevation of the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and improved the area’s drainage system.

The new SFEX promotes travel efficiency along the Pampanga-Bataan-Zambales corridor and helps increase the areas’ competitiveness in trade and tourism industries.

Mayor Antonio Joseph Inton of Hermosa, Bataan expressed optimism that despite the current pandemic, his municipality gains because of the smoother and easier travel being facilitated by the expanded expressway.

“Hermosa continues to be progressive with these new infrastructure developments and growing investments. This improved SFEX is a big boost to various businesses housed in the Hermosa Special Economic Zone,” Inton said.

Also emerging as one of the viable locations for investors is Dinalupihan which is rich in agricultural produce.

“The vision of the Municipality of Dinalupihan is to be a model agropolis in Central Luzon. Dinalupihan is positioned as a Logistics Hub, and home to globally competitive agricultural products and value adding services. The Subic Freeport Expressway provides critical infrastructure support to Dinalupihan's strategic priorities,” Dinalupihan, Bataan Mayor Maria Angela Garcia said.

Bautista added that infrastructure projects that are being undertaken by the company all aimed at increasing economic productivity and providing the public with better access to businesses, education, employment, and other services.

“As a government partner in nation building, we remain committed to afford our motorists and communities the enhanced connectivity and accessibility and be a critical enabler for various industries,” Bautista said.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.