Quezon set to become key transit hub as Bicol tollway regions

By Nimfa L. Estrellado SLEX TR5 Project's Basic Alignment (Toll Regulatory Board) LUCENA, Quezon – The province of Quezon is poised ...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado

SLEX TR5 Project's Basic Alignment (Toll Regulatory Board)

LUCENA, Quezon – The province of Quezon is poised to become a pivotal transit hub, driving economic growth in both Quezon and the Bicol Region, with the impending approval of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 5 (TR5) project, marking a significant step towards enhanced interconnectivity across Southern Luzon.

The Toll Regulatory Board's (TRB) recently announced nearing approval of the final engineering design for the initial segment, connecting Lucena to Gumaca in Quezon, signals a major step towards addressing long-standing transport challenges. This development is expected to significantly impact both the province and its southern neighbor, Bicol.



The strategic location of Quezon as the starting point for TR5 is expected to bring significant economic benefits. The improved connectivity will streamline the movement of goods and people, fostering trade and investment. The Lucena-Gumaca segment, coupled with ongoing works for TR4, will provide "much-needed relief to commuters and truckers alike, and will reduce the cost of bringing goods to Bicol significantly," according to Albay Representative Joey Salceda.

For Bicol, the project offers a crucial solution to its reliance on costly and unreliable transport links. "The lack of strong land transport links to Calabarzon effectively makes Bicol an island, which makes us vulnerable to stress on food and supply of other essential goods during emergencies. It also makes our supply chains with Manila very expensive to maintain," Salceda explained.

The enhanced connectivity will also strengthen links to the Bicol Ecozone in Libon, Albay, potentially creating up to 8,000 new manufacturing jobs and lowering food prices. The planned agricultural superport in Bicol, in tandem with the toll road, will further solidify the region's economic prospects. "We will definitely pursue arterials from SLEX to Libon," Salceda affirmed, highlighting the long-term benefits of toll roads for infrastructure maintenance.

Quezon's role as the gateway to this improved connectivity is expected to stimulate local businesses and create new opportunities. The TR5 project, by reducing transport costs and improving supply chains, will not only boost the Bicol Region but also solidify Quezon's position as a vital economic link in Southern Luzon.

The TR5 project, spanning approximately 420 kilometers, represents one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the Philippines. The Lucena-Gumaca segment, the initial phase, covers roughly 61 kilometers. Subsequent phases will extend the toll road through the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay, culminating in Sorsogon.

The total project cost is estimated to be in the hundreds of billions of pesos, funded through a public-private partnership. The project is projected to cut travel time between Lucena and Legazpi City by several hours, significantly boosting tourism and trade.

Furthermore, studies conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) indicate that the TR5 project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during its construction and operation phases, contributing significantly to the regional economy.