San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced the signing of a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) with the local government unit (LGU) of Pangasinan for the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project. It is a 76.8-km expressway that will link the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Banlonan and Alaminos, Pangasinan.
The PLEX project is a go
The project consists of two phases. The phase one is a 42.76-km expressway that spans from TPLEX to Lingayen. It also has three segments: the 6.9 km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, the 11.3 km section from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the 22.17 km section from Calasiao to Lingayen. A 2.39-km spur road will also be built in Calasiao.
Meanwhile, the phase two is the remaining 34 km of the expressway that extends to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
Upon completion of the phase one, the estimated travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen will be reduced from the current one hour and 30 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes to just 20 to 30 minutes. It would also boost tourism and businesses in Central and Northern Luzon areas.
The project will improve connectivity in Central and Northern Luzon
The project would also provide a faster route to the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan. This will go hand-in-hand with other road projects that aim to alleviate traffic in the province including the widened Plaridel bypass road.
“We are grateful to the Pangasinan provincial government for their passion and commitment to boost Pangasinense life through this landmark project. More than just building a major infrastructure project, we have an opportunity to improve the lives of so many of our countrymen here,” said SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
“With PLEX connecting to other infrastructure such as TPLEX, which will support access to the NMIA, this project will significantly benefit Pangasinan’s local industries, home-grown products, and agricultural sector. At the same time, the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the province will be even more accessible to more Filipinos,” added Ang.
Get the latest road updates at Philkotse.com.