We reported that the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (SLEX TR-4) continues to make progress despite the many challenges it is facing. In a recent update from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, he said that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is looking to open the first portion of SLEX TR4 by early 2022.

DPWH Sec. Mark Villar said, “Balak po namin tapusin ang first portion hanggang Tiaong by next year para mapakinabangan na ang SLEX TR4 at para umabot na ang expressway network hanggang Quezon.”

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), together with San Miguel Corporation (SMC), plans on finishing the first 20-km portion of the project, which will span from Makban in Bay, Laguna to Tiaong, Quezon, by early next year. According to the secretary, the work on the Makban-Tiaong section is now 21% complete. Meanwhile, over 50% of right-of-way (ROW) acquisitions have been secured already. They are confident the construction will reach Tiaong, Quezon next year. 

SLEX TR4 is a four-lane expressway project that is set to reduce travel time between Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and Lucena City, Quezon from 4 hours to just 45 minutes. It has a total length of 66.74-km and it is made up of 6 sections:

• Section A: Santo Tomas, Batangas to Makban, Laguna (11.32km)
• Section B: Makban, Laguna to San Pablo, Laguna (12.75km)
• Section C: San Pablo, Laguna to Tiaong, Quezon (7.50km)
• Section D: Tiaong, Quezon to Candelaria, Quezon (15.00km)
• Section E: Candelaria, Quezon to Tayabas, Quezon (10.21km)
• Section F: Tayabas, Quezon to Brgy. Mayao, Lucena, Quezon (9.96km)

SLEX-TR4 will form part of the interconnected expressway network in the south. It will also boost economic growth, provide several opportunities, and ease the transport of people and goods in the south. The SLEX TR4 project will be very beneficial to the people in the south, according to SMC President Ramon Ang.

Aside from the first portion of SLEX TR4, more portion is expected to open next year.