THE much-anticipated six-lane expansion of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) from Susanna Heights in Muntinlupa to Calamba, Laguna, is set to open in the third week of December, just in time for the holiday season.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang confirmed that the project, adding two new lanes on both the northbound and southbound directions, is progressing on schedule. The 29-kilometer stretch, part of an at-grade expansion managed by SMC SLEX Inc., aims to ease traffic congestion, particularly during the Christmas rush.
"This December, as our countrymen prepare to celebrate Christmas and travel more to spend time with friends and family, they can look forward to a wider, better SLEX," said Ang. "This will help significantly reduce traffic buildup during the holiday season."
Construction of the next phase, covering the section from Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and the expansion of 20 bridges along the SLEX main carriageway, is slated for completion by July 2025. Ang emphasized that maintaining smooth traffic flow during construction work remains a top priority.
"Our contractors and project teams continue to do everything they can to minimize impact on vehicle traffic. We assure motorists we'll work efficiently and minimize disruptions," he added.
In addition to expanding the roadway, SMC Infra has incorporated automatic license plate reading (ALPR) cameras at toll plazas to comply with government mandates for barrier-less expressways. The technology allows for smoother traffic flow by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop or slow down significantly at toll gates, reducing the likelihood of congestion. The seamless tolling initiative, part of SMC's 2022 Southern Tollways project, has already decreased stops along the Skyway System, SLEX, and STAR Tollway.
This December, the removal of barriers at toll entry plazas will further enhance the driving experience for motorists. As part of the expansion project, SMC has fully decommissioned the Calamba Main Toll Plaza and the Greenfield Toll Plaza. These structures, previously the terminals of SLEX and Toll Road 3, respectively, have been dismantled to pave the way for further road improvements.