By Nimfa Estrellado Project alignment of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) TR5 (Photo from Department of Public Works and Highways) LUCE...
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| Project alignment of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) TR5 (Photo from Department of Public Works and Highways) |
LUCENA CITY - A resolution endorsed by the Provincial Development Council (PDC) for SLEX Toll Road 5, a joint venture of the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) and San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC), was recently approved by Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Quezon.
The motion was presented by 4th District Board Member and Majority Floor Leader Isaias "Sonny" Ubana, who explained that the toll road will not only improve transportation infrastructure but will also attract investments and spur economic growth in the province.
Ubana further highlighted that the toll road will provide better connectivity for residents, allowing them to easily access neighboring cities and provinces, which will enhance opportunities for employment, education, and healthcare. The improved connectivity will also facilitate the efficient transportation of goods and services, boosting trade and commerce in the region.
However, 2nd District Board Member Ferdinand "Bong" Talabong expressed concern about the toll road project's potential impact, particularly on the area it will affect, citing the ramifications of the unfinished Toll Road 4, which will be constructed to connect Lucena City and Batangas City.
Talabong wanted to know which barangays will be affected by the road project and if some issues, such as environmental issues, have been addressed.
Ubana, on the other hand, assured Talabong that comprehensive studies have been conducted to identify the potential impacts on the barangays along the proposed toll road route.
He also mentioned that measures have been taken to address environmental concerns, such as implementing mitigation strategies and incorporating sustainable design principles into the project.
1st District Board Member Jerry Talaga proposed a meeting between the local government officials, community leaders, and project stakeholders to discuss the findings of the comprehensive studies and ensure that all concerns are addressed.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the P28.1 billion SLEX Toll Road 5 (TR5) Project is a four-lane, divided (2x2), approximately 417-kilometer toll road starting from the terminal point of the SLEX TR4 Project at Brgy. Mayao, Lucena City, Quezon, and ends at Matnog, Sorsogon, near the Matnog Ferry Terminal. It consists of eight (8) segments:
• Segment 1 (Lucena to Gumaca): 61 km
• Segment 2 (Gumaca to Tagkawayan): 58.60 km
• Segment 3 (Tagkawayan to Sipocot): 61.40 km
• Segment 4 (Sipocot to Naga City): 39.50 km
• Segment 5 (Naga City to Polangui): 45.90 km
• Segment 6 (Polangui to Legaspi City): 33.60 km
• Segment 7 (Legaspi City to Sorsogon): 57.70 km
• Segment 8 (Sorsogon to Matnog): 62.30 km
Construction of segment 1 of the SLEX Toll Road 5 will take roughly two years and is expected to cost PHP 22.6 billion. The project will be built, maintained, and administered by PNCC under its legislative franchise as part of the South Luzon Expressway.
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