DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the Subic tunnel, which is expected to address traffic congestion in the area, nears completion.
The tunnel is part of the 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway, a major infrastructure project aimed at easing travel to and from the Subic Freeport.
"Ang buong alignment ay 8.2 kilometers, itong tunneling section makikita niyo po malapit na rin matapos at meron bagong tehnologies na ginamit galing Japan," Villar said.
From two lanes, the road will be expanded to four lanes because of the increasing volume of vehicles in the area, he added.
"Kapag natapos ito mawa-widen ang highway from two lanes magiging four lanes kasi mas mataas na ang vehicular traffic at kailangan na itong i-widen yung Subic Freeport Expressway," Villar said.
"Connected po ito sa Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway and mkakatulong at makakabawas din sa traffic sa area."
Villar said the project will be completed by first quarter of 2021.
The NLEX Corporation said the P1.6 billion project once completed will ease travel to and from Subic Bay and other parts of Zambales.