Manila North Tollways Corp. said Monday it will spend more than P1 billion to upgrade and modernize the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
“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 [North Luzon Expressway],” MNTC president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said.
Franco said the company would spend P1 billion for the pavement improvement of SCTEx from 2016 to 2018.
The pavement repair includes a three-year asphalt overlay and road patching of the 94-kilometer expressway.
The project will also include the installation of modern traffic and telecommunications systems worth P266 million.
Closed-circuit television cameras and emergency call boxes are currently being installed along the expressway to ensure the security of motorists. The roadside emergency call boxes will aid distressed motorists to directly and quickly connect to the SCTEx traffic control room.
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 useful and updated traffic information are being put up along the expressway. These signs will be located in Concepcion, Tarlac and in Porac and Floridablanca, Pampanga.
High-risk slopes along the expressway are undergoing repair through slope restoration using gabions and geosynthetics reinforcements and adding drainage lines for P22 million.
MNTC also allotted P47 million in capital expenditure for system and software, traffic devices and facility enhancements.
Two additional restrooms will be constructed at the SCTEx’s Clark North B and Clark South B exits to increase the level of comfort and convenience of motorists.
Toll booths in all SCTEX toll plazas are also up for rehabilitation which will include repainting and replacement of equipment.
“Once these improvements are fully implemented, our motorists can surely expect a smoother and safer travel at SCTEX,” Franco said.
Franco said MNTC recently completed the integration of NLEx and SCTEx which cost P758 million.