MNTC to spend P2B for upgrade, repair of SCTEx

Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) is spending about P2 billion for the upgrade and repair of the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), which it operates along with the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx).

MNTC,  a unit of Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., said the upgrade was aimed at making the 94-kilometer SCTEx a “world-class” tollroad.

MNTC assumed operations of the SCTEx in October last year following a six-year delay.

“After SCTEX has been turned over to us last year, we have slated several modernization works, all aimed at making the SCTEx at par with the NLEx,” Rodrigo E. Franco, MNTC president and CEO, said Monday in a statement.

The largest part of the spending came from the integration of NLEx and SCTEx, accounting for P758 million and the ongoing pavement improvement of the SCTEx from 2016 to 2018 which costs P1 billion.

The NLEx-SCTEx integration project unified the toll collection systems of the two expressways. This paved the way for “faster and seamless traveling.” The integration project also modernized SCTEx’s toll collection system by allowing electronic toll collection through EasyTrip.

The SCTEx pavement repair, on the other hand, includes three-year asphalt overlay and road patching.

Also part of the SCTEx enhancements are the installation of modern traffic and telecommunications systems worth P266 million.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and emergency call boxes are currently being installed along the expressway to ensure the security of motorists, MNTC said.

The roadside emergency call boxes will aid distressed motorists to directly and quickly connect to the SCTEX traffic control room. The CCTV cameras will enable real-time monitoring of the entire stretch of the expressway which, in turn, will allow MNTC teams to respond faster to motorists who may need assistance.

Variable message signs that provide motorists with updated traffic information are being put up along the expressway as well. These will be located in Concepcion, Tarlac and in Porac and Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Toll booths in all SCTEx toll plazas are also up for rehabilitation.

“Once these improvements are fully implemented, our motorists can surely expect a smoother and safer travel at SCTEx,” Franco said.