Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway [Archive] - Page 5

kiretoce

May 8th, 2008, 12:11 AM

'wellwishers'
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0517-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0520-1_filtered.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0524-1_filtered.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0530-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0539-1_filtered.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0544-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0548-1_filtered.jpg

approaching clark
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0570-1_filtered.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0572-1_filtered.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0575-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0583-1.jpg

near clark interchange
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0589-1_filtered.jpg

going for the exits
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0593-1_filtered.jpg

toll gates
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0598-1_filtered.jpg

spur road to nlex
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0600-1.jpg

announcing the news on nlex
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0610-1.jpg

breathtaking views...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0443-1_pt.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/SCTEX/DSC_0451-1_pt.jpg

Zodiac18

May 8th, 2008, 12:25 AM

Ang ganda! :banana:

jrevalde

May 8th, 2008, 12:53 AM

world-class!

PasigGuy

May 8th, 2008, 02:13 AM

wala bang preview (any pics, images) ang clark-tarlac segment

Goku_25

May 8th, 2008, 03:48 AM

WOW! New thread na pala ito.

barrera_marquez

May 8th, 2008, 06:02 AM

Teka guys wala ba kayong pictures ng SCTEx yung sa may mataas na tulay bago makarating sa Tipo Exit?

bustero

May 8th, 2008, 09:47 AM

eric thanks for your comments on the last thread but i didn't realize that essentially these are just like feeder roads from nlex to sctex, that sucks, so if a big volume is to go from nlex north to tarlac like on holyweek that would be a huge bottleneck.

CabanNgTuwa

May 8th, 2008, 04:09 PM

kelan bubuksan yung extension hanggang tarlac? somebody told me that it's the boundary of tarlac and la paz (the extension)

barrera_marquez

May 8th, 2008, 11:51 PM

kelan bubuksan yung extension hanggang tarlac? somebody told me that it's the boundary of tarlac and la paz (the extension)

That will be opened in July...

Tanong lang mga bro, kung pupunta ka ng Cabanatuan tapos dadaan ka ng SCTEx papuntang Tarlac, magiging mas mabilis ba ito or still the same pa rin?

FerrariLover

May 9th, 2008, 12:03 AM

That will be opened in July...

Tanong lang mga bro, kung pupunta ka ng Cabanatuan tapos dadaan ka ng SCTEx papuntang Tarlac, magiging mas mabilis ba ito or still the same pa rin?

Mas mabilis bro. kase di ka na matatrapik sa mga bayan na dadaanan mo sa Tarlac. Clear ba bro.:ohno:

igi_master

May 9th, 2008, 02:02 AM

Mas mabilis bro. kase di ka na matatrapik sa mga bayan na dadaanan mo sa Tarlac. Clear ba bro.:ohno:

I agree, From balintawak to dau kaya ng 90mins + 40 mins dau sctex to lapaz, + 45 mins lapaz to cabanatuan = 175mins

barrera_marquez

May 9th, 2008, 06:09 AM

I agree, From balintawak to dau kaya ng 90mins + 40 mins dau sctex to lapaz, + 45 mins lapaz to cabanatuan = 175mins

Diyos ko po, limang minuto lang ang distansya, parang wala rin ah... anyway salamat sa inyong tulong...

igi_master

May 9th, 2008, 06:40 AM

Diyos ko po, limang minuto lang ang distansya, parang wala rin ah... anyway salamat sa inyong tulong...

ok na rin yun, kung abutan ka naman ng trafic sa maharlika hi-way minsan higit pa sa apat na oras ang byahe to cabantuan, if iikot ka using sctex wala kang aalalahanin na trafic, kasi ung tarlac sta rosa road madalang lang ang nagdadaan na mga sasakyan dyan. nakapaglakwatsa ka pa ng sctex.

absinthe_888

May 9th, 2008, 06:00 PM

House oversight committee to review supplemental loan for Subic-Clark-Tarlac road
http://bworld.com.ph/BW051008/content.php?id=053

The powerful Committee on Oversight of the House of Representatives plans to review the P7-billion supplemental loan sought by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) intended to finance additional costs to complete the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.

Committee chairman Quezon Rep. Danilo E. Suarez (3rd district) said his committee will review whether the additional loan is justified, given costly delays in the construction of the new tollway. "Susulat kaming lahat na i-hold muna while we are deliberating [All of us in the committee will ask that the supplemental budget be put on hold while we are deliberating on its justification]," Mr. Suarez said after a committee hearing with BCDA officials last week.

He added that the loan may not necessarily be tapped from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation, which financed the expressway, and that the government may choose a local contractor for the additional works needed to complete the highway.

"I think the contractors are being babied. They were already delayed completing the project. Why should we still get the same service?" Mr. Suarez said.

The governments of the Philippines and Japan signed and exchanged notes last March 27 for the �17.1-billion (approximately P7.1-billion), which resulted in a total project amount of �59 billion, or approximately P28 billion.

The SCTEx is a 94-kilometer road connecting major industrial and business hubs in Central Luzon. The road is 97% complete, but the BCDA said it needs the additional loan for the construction of interchanges in Floridablanca, Porac and Panday Pira in Pampanga. — ABLL

anonymous_filipino

May 10th, 2008, 05:45 AM

Tingin niyo kaya, lalagyan kaya ng TMC ang SCTEx ng mga features tulad ng sa NLEx?

barrera_marquez

May 10th, 2008, 12:14 PM

Tingin niyo kaya, lalagyan kaya ng TMC ang SCTEx ng mga features tulad ng sa NLEx?

hindi ngayon kasi temporary concessionaire lang sila. siguro kapag permanent na but some features will really not make way into SCTEx like the emergency bays...

kratos1211

May 10th, 2008, 02:56 PM

I agree, From balintawak to dau kaya ng 90mins + 40 mins dau sctex to lapaz, + 45 mins lapaz to cabanatuan = 175mins

If you're running an average speed of 80kph on the expressway, from balintawak to dau + dau sctex to lapaz, You can do it in 90 mins, If you're speed is at 100kph, 75 mins.

kratos1211

May 10th, 2008, 03:13 PM

Saturday, May 10, 2008
BCDA speeds up SCTEx farm crossings work
By Albert B. Lacanlale

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- To make the whole Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) available to motorists, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has prodded its contractors to speed up completion of pedestrian overpasses that delayed the opening of the toll road's Clark-Tarlac stretch.

Though the SCTEx had been formally inaugurated on April 28, only the Subic-Clark portion can be accessed by motorists.

The remaining 32 kilometers (kms) of the 94-km stretch will only be opened after all the overpasses have been constructed, to avoid accidents among vehicles cruising the portion where constructions are ongoing and prevent undue disadvantage to farmers whose access to their farms were cut by the expressway.

SCTEx spokesperson Robert Gervacio said the locations of the eight overpasses were determined after dialogues with farmers, whose rice and sugarcane fields were temporarily rendered unreachable since they were fenced off as part of safety precautions after the expressway sliced through them.

Commercial operation of the remaining 32-km Clark-Tarlac segment of the SCTEx has been postponed to give way to the construction of the overpasses and allow their speedy completion.

Once opened, the expressway will allow travel between the Clark Freeport Zone and La Paz town in Tarlac in 25 minutes.

"We have to prioritize the completion of the overpasses to give the affected farmers access to their farmlands in the fastest time possible. The livelihood of our farmer stakeholders is of our utmost concern. We also do not want to compromise the safety of our motorists by allowing commercial operations while the overpasses are being built," Gervacio said.

barrera_marquez

May 10th, 2008, 11:57 PM

If you're running an average speed of 80kph on the expressway, from balintawak to dau + dau sctex to lapaz, You can do it in 90 mins, If you're speed is at 100kph, 75 mins.

kailangang magtugis pala ako kung gusto kong makarating sa Cabanatuan ng dalawang oras... well thanks...

lochinvar

May 11th, 2008, 01:15 AM

barrera_marquez

May 11th, 2008, 08:35 AM

"If you're running an average speed of 80kph on the expressway, from balintawak to dau + dau sctex to lapaz, You can do it in 90 mins, If you're speed is at 100kph, 75 mins."

If you are speeding at 150 kph or more, it will take minutes only to heaven or hell. I just don't know if there will be 72 virgins waiting for you in heaven.

I will somewhat clarify the last paragraph of your statement:

If you are driving 150 kph or more, it will only take you minutes to jail but it will only take you seconds to heaven or hell.

So I guess I need to drive the maximum speed of 120 kph to be fast...

CabanNgTuwa

May 11th, 2008, 02:13 PM

I will somewhat clarify the last paragraph of your statement:

If you are driving 150 kph or more, it will only take you minutes to jail but it will only take you seconds to heaven or hell.

So I guess I need to drive the maximum speed of 120 kph to be fast...

haha, cool lang bro! wait na lang natin mayari sa 2015 yung NLEE:lol: cguro naman buhay pa tayo nun hehe; well, hinihintay ko rin mayari na yung segment from Clark to La Paz; we drive almost on a daily basis from SFP to Cabanatuan and the regular route permits us to travel @3 infinite hours! worse, baka Arayat Express pa sakyan namin nito kasi our Frontier got figured in a n unnecessary bad accident, and travel time is around 5 grueling hours via Arayat Express (the oldskul liner that refuses to upgrade it's fleet!)

barrera_marquez

May 11th, 2008, 02:19 PM

haha, cool lang bro! wait na lang natin mayari sa 2015 yung NLEE:lol: cguro naman buhay pa tayo nun hehe; well, hinihintay ko rin mayari na yung segment from Clark to La Paz; we drive almost on a daily basis from SFP to Cabanatuan and the regular route permits us to travel @3 infinite hours! worse, baka Arayat Express pa sakyan namin nito kasi our Frontier got figured in a n unnecessary bad accident, and travel time is around 5 grueling hours via Arayat Express (the oldskul liner that refuses to upgrade it's fleet!)

Ako rin gusto ko na rin matapos yang Clark-La Paz na iyan.

Anyway, bisita ka roon sa Bus Lines in the Philippines thread at doon natin pag-usapan natin yang oldskul liner na iyan na ayaw mag-upgrade ng fleet na iyan... hindi pwede rito, SCTEx ito eh...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=137806

taga-bayan

May 11th, 2008, 05:11 PM

base sa mga pictures sa itaas, parang wala sa pilipinas ang sctex! ang ganda! :banana:

CabanNgTuwa

May 12th, 2008, 02:11 PM

base sa mga pictures sa itaas, parang wala sa pilipinas ang sctex! ang ganda! :banana:

got the chance to pass by it (nadaanan lang) a while ago; ganda talaga, yung part pa lang ng laPaz portion yung nakita ko: sources say that they are finalizing the overpasses to grant farmers access to their lands that were ravaged by the world class tollway; taas ng elevation; June na yata opening nung final segment (La Paz, Tarlac)

Johnston

May 12th, 2008, 02:34 PM

Wow! Ang ganda!!

laquacherra

May 15th, 2008, 09:24 AM

Closed portion

CLARK FREE PORT — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has announced that the Clark-Tarlac segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will remain closed to commercial traffic pending the completion of eight pedestrian overpasses. BCDA Spokesman Robert Gervacio said that the overpasses will serve as crossings for farmers and residents in Concepcion, Tarlac. Mr. Gervacio said in a statement that as of April 30, only four of the eight overpasses that the BCDA committed to build in Concepcion, Tarlac have been finished. Only the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark segment and a portion of the Clark-Tarlac of SCTEx (for a total of 62 kilometers), have been opened to the public. The remaining 32-kilometer portion of the roadway will open in July.

complete article at http://www.bworldonline.com/BW051508/content.php?id=079

flymordecai

May 15th, 2008, 07:10 PM

Can't wait to see this high-class highway in person! Was the La Paz - Tarlac section open to the public when they did the test run? Or was it only the Subic-Clark segment that they allowed the public to ride on?

ericlucky290

May 17th, 2008, 04:39 AM

CDC wants billboard ban at SCTEx (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20080515-136764/CDC-wants-billboard-ban-at-SCTEx)

By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 16:31:00 05/15/2008

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines -- Efforts are underway to ban the construction of commercial billboards along the 94-kilometers stretch of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Maximo Sangil, director of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), has asked CDC chairman Rizalino Navarro and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president Narciso Abaya, who is also CDC vice chairman, to come up with a policy prohibiting the erection of billboards along the SCTEx.

Sangil made the appeal at Tuesday's board meeting of the CDC, asking Navarro and Abaya to help craft the policy as members of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC).

He said the policy might be adopted by way of a memorandum of agreement between the SCADC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the agency tasked with regulating the construction of commercial billboards along the country's national roads.

The SCTEx, partly opened since April 28, is the newest and longest national toll road in the country.

"I'm concerned for the safety of motorists. They should also enjoy the unspoiled beauty of our countryside," Sangil told the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net).

"The memorandum should be issued before private lot owners along SCTEx start leasing their property to advertising companies," he said.

The SCTEx begins from the Tipo Road in Subic Bay Freeport, passes through Roosevelt Forest Park in Dinalupihan, Bataan, past the rice paddies of Hermosa out to a straight path carved along the Pampanga foothills of the Zambales mountain ranges, and ends in La Paz, Tarlac.

In a phone interview, Abaya said aside from Sangil, "several people have expressed their concerns to the management of the BCDA."

"There [is a] constant clamor not to have billboards along SCTEx," he said. "I know the BCDA will be making money if we lease parts [of the road's right-of-way] but it is also our duty to ensure the safety of motorists."

Abaya said while the BCDA may be up to this task, owners of lots outside the SCTEx would have to be disciplined as well.

The matter will be discussed at BCDA's board meeting on Tuesday.

Alfredo Tolentino, DPWH director for Central Luzon, said two advertising companies recently applied for permits to build billboards along the SCTEx's Subic-Clark portion.

He said he had yet to approve the applications, adding these would have to be studied according to the latest guidelines issued by Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

Billboards as a threat to public safety became an issue when several of the structures collapsed in Metro Manila during Typhoon Milenyo in 2006. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Administrative Order No. 160 directing the DWPH to dismantle billboards that pose danger to the public.

The DPWH in Central Luzon tore down 99 of 122 billboards along the North Luzon Expressway in October 2006. The 99 billboards, mostly in Bulacan and Pampanga, were built without permits.

Goku_25

May 17th, 2008, 07:11 AM

greenshields

May 17th, 2008, 11:12 AM

I agree that there should be minimal visual noise along the SCTEX. Let it be that the facility has a great view of the Philippine countryside and a dramatic view of the mountains opening up to the motorists driving to and from Subic. Standard road signs lang talaga dapat. But for the Clark to La Paz segment, sana may mga pampagising (maybe rumble strips?) because I hear that the view along that section may be quite boring and drivers might fall asleep with all that sugarcane along the way.

barrera_marquez

May 17th, 2008, 02:09 PM

jefflacs

May 18th, 2008, 05:59 PM

Paano pumunta sa tarlac end ng sctex from mc arthur highway?

ericlucky290

May 18th, 2008, 10:46 PM

barrera_marquez

May 18th, 2008, 10:59 PM

igi_master

May 19th, 2008, 04:02 AM

Sabi sa wikipedia, Tarlac Exit - " This exit connects with the Tarlac-Santa Rosa Road. Turning left goes to Tarlac City Proper and the National Highway while turning right goes to La Paz town proper and the province of Nueva Ecija. "

Oo nga noh, if you are from the North, paano ka papasok sa SCTEx?

ang layo ng exit na ito sa mga national highway, tarlac mcarthur higway to SCTEX lapaz Exit arrproximately 15 kms and maharlika highway from santa rosa to SCTEx Lapaz Exit Appriximately 20 kms

jefflacs

May 19th, 2008, 05:29 AM

igi_master

May 19th, 2008, 07:15 AM

igi_master

May 19th, 2008, 07:25 AM

I meant from mc arthur highway going to sctex saan pwedeng dumaan? wala kasing mga visual signs para pumunta ng sctex kung galing kang north. or namiss ko lang? tumigil lang ako sa pagabang ng signs ng asa luisita na ako.
Ung Road going to SCTEX Lapaz exit ay ang Tarlac Sta Rosa Road na nasa side ng Metro Town Mall opposite going to Downton Tarlac Mcdonald side

PasigGuy

May 27th, 2008, 05:49 AM

dumaan ako sa SCTEx clark-tipo segment last Saturday, OMG, the view is so breathtaking, sulit ang PhP131 toll fee.. (wala palang exit, interchange between clark and dinalupihan, pansin ko lang) ...I will attach some pics, in due course, sobra busy lang now :)

jefflacs

May 27th, 2008, 08:42 AM

SCTEX pics taken last May 18, 2008
(sensiya malabo ung ibang pics xD)

Sctex from the concepcion road (I really don't know the name of the road basta ito ung galing nlex to tarlac)
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/12/photos/68/500x500/40/IMG_7167.JPG?et=hOXvqKyQ3Iq4cyP%2CT0n6sQ&nmid=96821203

The bridge over concepcion road
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/12/photos/68/500x500/41/IMG_7169.JPG?et=rWICRPLs1upiE0N0HPhulg&nmid=96821203

Entrance to SCTEX, concepcion exit
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/12/photos/68/500x500/42/IMG_7170.JPG?et=zXDwkN%2BOxuR0Ifp7jokGrg&nmid=96821203

Blurry na entrance
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/12/photos/68/500x500/43/IMG_7171.JPG?et=7oSyIwJp2KnamVfg00vzzg&nmid=96821203

SCTEX spur road from NLEX side (southbound)
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/3/photos/68/500x500/62/IMG_7180.JPG?et=ZdbJfZmIgDYObA%2BrmQmckQ&nmid=96821203

SCTEX spur road bridge from nlex side
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/3/photos/68/500x500/64/IMG_7183.JPG?et=gk2XIhhcFRubAkljApVBTA&nmid=96821203

SCTEX spur road from nlex
http://images.jefflacs.multiply.com/image/3/photos/68/500x500/63/IMG_7181.JPG?et=uxqyUBsfUvPvJ2hSofYpnw&nmid=96821203

PasigGuy

May 28th, 2008, 04:46 AM

Vol. XXI, No. 211
Wednesday, May 28, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Motoring

Driving the new SCTEx
It has been sometime since the Filipino public was treated to a complete and entirely new expressway on an entirely new route ever since the STAR tollway opened in the late ’90s. What makes the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway unique is that the BCDA (Bases Conversion Development Authority) built it to be complete from the start. Opening in half lanes, or incomplete carriageways with contra flow traffic, was never in the plan. The BCDA was not going to let the toll-paying public cruise on some excuse of a structural concrete deck.

The new SCTEx expressway is a scenic highway and we hope it stays that way as security keeps those fences intact and the thieves away. The beautiful flat land (Tarlac) and multi-peaked rain forest nature reserves (Zambales-Bataan) would not have existed if not for the activities of Mother Nature, Pinatubo, lahar and floods since 1991.

Now that it is open there will surely mishaps. This has nothing to do with the way the road was designed or built. The SCTEx was designed to strict Japanese standards, with curves that can be taken at over 200 km/h smoothly and sight lines that give more than enough visibility beyond 210 km/h. It lacks not in surface traction, barriers, signage, and all the stuff that makes for another world class expressway, the way the NLEx is and the way the Skyway once was before it shut down half its illumination. Neither will it lack in policing and so far, maintenance, thanks to the extensive experience of the Toll Management Corp. during its concurrent successful operation of the NLEx. Though the SCTEx does not have the SOS call boxes, the fiberoptic traffic monitoring network and the Egis-EC-Tag electronic toll system, it will be managed to the same TMC standards with more intense patrols and cell phone hot lines for emergencies.

Still, a road is only as good as the road users. There’s always poor vehicular maintenance. NLEx accident data point to frequent and extreme neglect of tires as the primary cause of breakdowns and accidents. Fatalities are mainly due to fatigue-induced slumber behind the wheel. Truly, the greatest danger on our roads is beyond what the best road engineer can design against. It comes from our very poor driver training. Already, the SCTEx is as safe as any highway at 100-120 km/h but many of our drivers are, sadly, not safe even at 60 km/h on an empty road. These drivers are those who do not look far enough where they are going. Drivers who tailgate because they refuse to see vacuum between his bumper and the other guy’s; those who do not know how to properly use their brakes; those without anticipatory powers of another driver’s foolishness. Many cannot judge relative speed by what they see in their mirrors, if they even bother to look at them. Or happen to tug on their steering as they glance at the mirror (very common). Drivers who just lose it and fail to recover control. And drivers who forget to breathe. The last one may sound funny but that is what happens when drivers are startled or surprised. I have been in two slow speed rolloves because the fellow behind the wheel (not me) was startled, did not breathe and thus blacked out.

Driving fast, like race car drivers, demands special training. But regular drivers have to be good to pass licensure exams. Despite blanket 120 km/h speed limits across Europe, almost all European drivers, especially when they cross into the speed de-restricted autobahnen of Germany, are just as safe when doing 250 km/h. And it’s not because their cars are extremely good. It is their training that makes them good. But the Philippines is not Europe. To this end, the SCTEx patrols will be monitoring speeds on the areas with open vistas, clear downhill runs, and empty straight-aways that may encourage the ill-trained to speed beyond their ability to control their vehicle.

Even after its official public opening day, the Concepcion-San Miguel Tarlac section will still have construction zones. In fact, some of the access roads from Luisita and the Clark are still unfinished. Still, the SCTEx opening will be boon for all travelers who have suffered Highway 3 traffic since the last PNR train took Baguio-bound travelers to Rosario, La Union in 1963.

The Tarlac section is mostly rice-paddy flat and is unlike the more scenic and mountainous Clark-Subic section where cross traffic is under the Expressway. The bend of the highway into the Clark-NLEx spur coming from Subic is a bit sharp and speeds here should be strictly monitored. The critical areas where the downhill sections may tempt drivers to speed beyond their control are the Jalung mountain cut out and the Gumain viaduct over the gully’s ravine. This is a beautiful sight and the viaduct is probably a good 600 meters above the gorge. But after this long stretch, the road bends and a sleepy or reckless driver may lose control. There are also several downhill spans between Dinalupihan and Tipo and may prove to be potential temptations. So the best thing to do in these areas is to stick to the posted limit and keep right, just in case the really skilled riders of Ducati and Suzuki sport bikes of Club 200 or the Autoplus Ford GT decide to make a top speed run on the left lane. Just leave speed monitoring to the SCTEx patrols and their LTO-approved laser cameras instead of making yourself a hazard by hogging the left lane. With dragnets in Clark and especially in Tipo, there’s no escaping to the Subic Freeport Expressway.

Because of the length of the SCTEx, the TMC will field patrol and rescue vehicles with the security camps along the way, mostly in areas with lay bys for proposed but unfinished interchanges like the one for Porac, Pampanga. It would help oncoming traffic if the area has flashing LED lights like the sequential ones that are mounted on the yellow AAP tow trucks and SCT patrol Hi-luxes. These can be used to warn of their presence in case a driver falls asleep or has gotten so comfortable with his speed that he may have not noticed the needle pointing to 101 km/h. This mobile warning system can operate 24/7 and can be teamed with rumble strips painted on the pavement. If licensing procedures and driving instructors cannot produce passable drivers, then properly managed expressways can, through intuitive design, educate poorly trained drivers into becoming better ones.

Finally, I am glad the grandees who named this road kept it simple: SCTEx — from Subic where it came, through Clark and Tarlac, where it temporarily ends. Just like the old days. The first German autobahn — the HaFraBa — started in Hamburg, passed through Frankfurt, and ended in Basel. This is a far more characterful name than I-95, M-1 or A-9.

This is now a challenge to the builders of the Tarlac-La Union Expressway. The old Tipo-Subic Expressway is a victim of antiquated regulations that prevent the operator in investing big time. It looks sad and forlorn compared to the SCTEx and is far inferior to Subic Freeport’s multi-lane highways. Lets hope the Tarlac-La Union Expressway draws par to the standards set by the SCTEx and the NLEX.

Vegas Visitor

May 28th, 2008, 06:24 AM

PasigGuy

May 28th, 2008, 07:35 AM

^^^

Mga driver ng buses at trailer trucks should have proper driving trainings before they can get liscence, putcha madalas kong makita sa news kapag bus at trucks ang invovle sa aksidente yung mga nadadamay na small vehicles or the surrounding structures eh parang bukid na inararo!

I agree, classic example is buses in EDSA, mga siga, kung magswerve to the left, hindi tumitingin!!!! ang babastos talaga, mga BOBO at walang UTAK.. dapat talaga i-implement na ang BRT sa MM. :ohno:

renell

May 30th, 2008, 09:26 AM

jefflacs

May 30th, 2008, 10:14 AM

After looking at those photos, I'm tempted to say "parang hindi sa Pinas" but I'm glad to see that this is what our country looks like now.

Just clarifying, which part is complete now? Subic to Clark? And has it been connected to NLEX? Cheers all

Subic to clark pa lang kumpleto, clark to tarlac will be opened in july. SCTEX is connected to nlex by means of a spur road shortly after the Dau exit :D

RonnieR

May 30th, 2008, 10:40 AM

I agree, classic example is buses in EDSA, mga siga, kung magswerve to the left, hindi tumitingin!!!! ang babastos talaga, mga BOBO at walang UTAK.. dapat talaga i-implement na ang BRT sa MM. :ohno:

OT: One time, I was almost hit by a crazy "drug" induced bus driver because he suddenly swerved. Upon reaching Guadalupe, I yelled at the traffic enforcer and reported the bus driver. I was practically driving beside the bus until I saw this MMDA personnel. He was reprimanded. The driver was apologetic. I also reported to DOTC twice erring taxi drivers (tel. no. 7890), and the system worked. I received a subpoena, attended the hearing at LTFRB office. In these two cases, the drivers and the owners were profusely sorry and apologetic to me.

Sinjin P.

May 30th, 2008, 07:02 PM

Btw, 24/7 na ba ang operations of the Subic-Clark segment?

bartstrife99

June 3rd, 2008, 03:11 PM

^^^

Mga driver ng buses at trailer trucks should have proper driving trainings before they can get liscence, putcha madalas kong makita sa news kapag bus at trucks ang invovle sa aksidente yung mga nadadamay na small vehicles or the surrounding structures eh parang bukid na inararo!

Pare alam mo naman sa LTO may under the table, talamak yan dapat i FIRING SQUAD ang mga yan tulad nung panahon ni makoy para madala!

jun_of

June 7th, 2008, 07:36 AM

I know tons of pictures have already been posted here but this expressway is a beauty to behold and deserve to be seen again and again - pictures taken 5/22/2008.

Subic Bound
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/c622d3c9.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/6bb30597.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/DSC_0065.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/DSC_0068.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/e6920b5b.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/19cbddf8.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/DSC_0073.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/DSC_0074.jpg

PasigGuy

June 7th, 2008, 12:39 PM

[QUOTE=jun_of;21487664]I know tons of pictures have already been posted here but this expressway is a beauty to behold and deserve to be seen again and again - pictures taken 5/22/2008.

Subic Bound
http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p294/junof/MNL%20May%202008/May%2022%20-%20SCTEX/c622d3c9.jpg

.....mas masarap parin talaga kung i-try mo drive ang SCTEx, maganda talaga ang view, at walang speed limits, so may makakasabay kang Porche at Ferrari's that drive like id..ts!!

CabanNgTuwa

June 7th, 2008, 04:03 PM

nice freeway hehe, dapat sa Baguio na lang inilagay yung SCTEX, from Sison, Pangasinan without passing through Rosario para 30kms lang ang bundok na dadaanan not 75 kms (Marcos Highway) or 50 kms (Kennon Rd.), IMHO lang po kasi mas gamitin yung road route to baguio

CabanNgTuwa

June 7th, 2008, 04:04 PM

kelan pala opening ng Lapaz segment? wala ba tayong official site ng SCTEX?

kratos1211

June 7th, 2008, 09:10 PM

SCTEx serves Clark but has no exit there!
POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr.
Sunday, June 8, 2008

CLARK FIELD (PLDT/WeRoam) — It puzzles many cabalen why the vaunted 93.77-kilometer expressway designed to serve the Subic and the Clark trade zones does not have an interchange, ramp or exit in this American air base turned into an industrial complex.

If you are in Clark and want to motor to Subic via the P27.5-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), you first have to drive out of the base to Dau and circle around to the North Luzon Expressway and enter the SCTEx through a ramp in barangay Mabiga in Mabalacat.

And if you are coming from Subic bound for Clark some 50 kilometers away, you cannot drop off here but must exit outside Clark at Mabiga and then take a roundabout route to Clark via Dau.

Dau and Mabiga are barangays of Mabalacat. But it is not true that the circuitous route to SCTEx was devised by Mabalacat Mayor Boking Morales to force visitors to see more of his town that he has dubbed the industrial capital of the province.

* * *

NEW LOAN: How come there is no SCTEx exit/ramp/interchange at Clark? The scuttlebutt is that the billions, borrowed from Japan, ran out because some well-connected individuals bit off too big a commission from contractors.

Now the sponsors of the project — I presume with the knowledge of President Gloria Arroyo and her congressman son Mikey — are working out another Japanese loan to build the needed interchanges in Clark, Porac and Floridablanca.

Initially, they borrowed P21.5 billion. But that money is not enough to satisfy everybody, so now the loan is being upgraded to P29.5 billion.

Do not pity the shrewd Japanese Shylocks, because they will get their usual pound of flesh. They will bring in their own consultants, products, materials and services that will eat a big chunk of the loan.

Everybody will be happy — except taxpayers who will shoulder the high cost of borrowing money and lining the pockets of the usual commissioners.

absinthe_888

June 8th, 2008, 05:15 AM

tongpats na naman

bartstrife99

June 8th, 2008, 05:21 AM

Goku_25

June 8th, 2008, 05:59 AM

WOW! Ang ganda ng mga pics!!!!!

stephencua

June 9th, 2008, 03:00 PM

was able to use the SCTEX last weekend.. incredible ride.. might be better than the NLEX.. a pity there werent any lights yet though.. would have wanted to see what the view looks like at night..

kratos1211

June 9th, 2008, 03:22 PM

Gumain Bridge 200 feet high, tallest bridge of SCTEX

photo by alexsolomon
flickr
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/2430616375_ed11694603_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2020/2420382525_07b03254b0.jpg http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2051/2430616391_91ae611591.jpg?v=0

Chrisvenz

June 9th, 2008, 04:16 PM

renell

June 9th, 2008, 04:16 PM

It's not the Pont du Gard, but it'll do.

Actually I'm more in that banner like thing on the third photo, bottom right on the rocks. What the hell is that?!

Waldenstrom

June 10th, 2008, 04:33 AM

Amazing photos! :)

kalbongdad

June 10th, 2008, 04:45 AM

yup its a nice expressway......just an hour and a half....papuntang...subic from mla.......kaya pag meron kayong bisitan don nyo dalhin....para mag lunch tapos balik manila ulit....para ma experience lang nila....na malapit na tayong nde maging turd world...:lol:

PasigGuy

June 10th, 2008, 07:18 AM

wow ang ganda!!!:banana: parand di pilipinas. Dito pala napunta ang mga tax natin. Kung ganyan lang tlga parati ang government. Galing na tlga:banana:

....actually, the funding of this project was sourced not from our tax, but substantially from JBIC loan (Japan)...Our taxes only go direct to the pocket of "tax suckers" of Ph government.

kalbongdad

June 10th, 2008, 10:01 AM

....actually, the funding of this project was sourced not from our tax, but substantially from JBIC loan (Japan)...Our taxes only go direct to the pocket of "tax suckers" of Ph government.

correction...in every project there is always a local fund component...nde yan puro jbic.....kaya partly tama....this is where our taxes go.....

PasigGuy

June 10th, 2008, 11:23 AM

correction...in every project there is always a local fund component...nde yan puro jbic.....kaya partly tama....this is where our taxes go.....

..SCTEx is one of the JBIC funded projects (85%) and the 15% is from BCDA..so actually the money of BCDA came from the proceeds from the sale of Fort Bonifacio lands.. not directly from peoples taxes...
...our taxes will help repay this loan (principal and 0.95% interest p.a.)

kratos1211

June 10th, 2008, 11:36 AM

..SCTEx is one of the JBIC funded projects (85%) and the 15% is from BCDA..so actually the money of BCDA came from the proceeds from the sale of Fort Bonifacio lands.. not directly from peoples taxes...
...our taxes will help repay this loan (principal and 0.95% interest p.a.)

^^88% of the toll fees collected will also be allotted to the debt servicing of the loan used to finance construction of the toll road. while 12% goes to O & M toll operator.

PasigGuy

June 10th, 2008, 11:56 AM

^^88% of the toll fees collected will also be allotted to the debt servicing of the loan used to finance construction of the toll road. while 12% goes to O & M toll operator.

...so our taxes will be spared:banana: Thanks God!

laquacherra

June 11th, 2008, 06:26 AM

Hi! I just want to share some shots I took last Monday, Jun 9.

SCTex north bound

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/northboundsctex3.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/northboundsctex7.jpg

the country side view from SCTex

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/countryside4.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/countryside6.jpg

SCTex south bound

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/southboundsctex.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/southboundsctex6.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/southboundsctex23.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/llaurenversion3/jun%2008/southboundsctex31.jpg

kalbongdad

June 11th, 2008, 09:08 AM

well the point is it has local fund component....it was built with portion of the money coming from government...

dassler

June 12th, 2008, 07:55 AM

saan po ba ang exit from nlex to sctex if im going to baguio from manila, assuming open na ang angeles to tarlac segment?

PasigGuy

June 12th, 2008, 11:09 AM

saan po ba ang exit from nlex to sctex if im going to baguio from manila, assuming open na ang angeles to tarlac segment?

dun din sa Spur Road to SCTEx, lagpas ng Angeles exit, bago mag 2way traffic road ng NLEX, makikita mo malaking sign to "SCTEX", pde ka ring lumabas ng dulo ng NLEX tapos somewhere in Mabalacat(?) mag cross ang National highway at SCTEX (meron yata ditong provision for enty/exit).

jun_of

June 12th, 2008, 08:31 PM

Hi! I just want to share some shots I took last Monday, Jun 9.

Nice shots Lauren. Did you go to A Cove? I was there last May. It's great!

laquacherra

June 13th, 2008, 10:56 AM

Nice shots Lauren. Did you go to A Cove? I was there last May. It's great!

thanks! yup! i love the place... definitely a great way to end summer vacation IMO ;)

kratos1211

June 13th, 2008, 02:56 PM

Opening of entire SCTEx sought
BCDA files petition, says conditions set by TRB already met

Manila Bulletin
Jun Velasco
June 13, 2008

Government-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has petitioned the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to open the entire 93.77-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) to vehicular traffic in time for the opening of classes.

Last April 25, the TRB granted BCDA a toll operation permit (TOP) covering mainly the 50.5-kilometer Clark-Subic stretch and a small portion of Clark-Tarlac section, specifically the North Clark A interchange.

The TOP, however, did not allow commercial operations on the rest of the 43.27-kilometer Clark-Tarlac segment, citing the hazards posed by the ongoing construction of overpasses and the installation of Transco lines in the Tarlac portion.

In asking TRB to open the entire 93.77-kilometer SCTEx stretch, BCDA president and CEO Narciso Abaya said that all the conditions set by TRB have been met.

Abaya said BCDA has drawn up a comprehensive traffic and safety management plan that sufficiently addresses the safety concerns of the TRB about the construction of six overpasses in Tarlac.

The plan, developed in cooperation with SCTEX operator Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), has a system of lane closure management, re-routing, early warning systems, and deployment of patrol crews to ensure safe, smooth traffic while the overpasses are being completed and elective cables are installed.

The BCDA president informed TRB that all Transco lines will be finished by July 31, 2008, while the overpasses will be completed on Aug. 18, 2008.

"We are confident that we have fully addressed the safety issues normally accompanying construction activities of this nature," Abaya said.

BCDA said that it is now "ripe" to open the Clark-Tarlac segment in time for the opening of classes, the increase in activities in trade and commerce in Central and North Luzon, and the overall resurgent mood of the economy."

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Clark-Subic segment is experiencing steady increase in traffic volume.

The Subic Bay Management Authority (SBMA) has become bullish of the burgeoning business in Subic and Clark with the opening of SCTEx’s Clark-Subic segment.

"We wish to see the same stimulated economy in areas north of Clark, notably Tarlac and neighboring provinces," the BCDA said.

anonymous_filipino

June 20th, 2008, 06:23 AM

we've already used the SCTEx last June 14-15, 2008. Its surface is as smooth as the NLEx and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Well there are some kinks like the lack of emergency parking areas, emergency telephone boxes, electronic message signs, service areas(hope that they would be constructed as soon as possible), and EC Tag lanes. But they could be constructed as soon as Tollways Management Corporation becomes the permanent operator.

But there is a major kink that i had noticed, poor signage. If you're going to SCTEx from Subic, you will see a big sign that says left to Olongapo-Gapan Road and right to SCTEx. The sign should say, Lubao Guagua via Olongapo-Gapan Road and Manila via SCTEx.

Goku_25

July 6th, 2008, 04:00 AM

Any Updates?

PasigGuy

July 9th, 2008, 02:42 AM

its JULY, kelan po ba ang opening ng Clark-Tarlac segment?

greenshields

July 10th, 2008, 02:24 AM

Are the interchanges along the Subic-Clark segment already being constructed? I hope they were able to resolve issues along the way.

kratos1211

July 10th, 2008, 11:58 AM

Why Clark interchange vanished from SCTEx
PhilStar
POSTSCRIPT By Federico D. Pascual Jr.
Thursday, July 10, 2008

CLARK FIELD (PLDT/WeRoam) — Remember my Postscript (June 15, 2008) asking why the P27-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that is supposed to serve this vital industrial-tourism complex does not have an entrance-exit interchange here?

Our informants said three interchanges, one of them in Clark, were dropped after a big chunk of the money was snitched by well-connected operators who thrive on commissions. Now the government wants to borrow more billions to put back the interchanges!

That is one version. Another explanation was given us by Gen. Narciso L. Abaya (ret.), president and chief executive of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, who inherited the project from his predecessor as the expressway was being built.

* * *

BCDA EXPLANATION: Giving us a chronology of changes in project costs, Abaya said:

The project comprises the construction, operation and maintenance of the 93.77-kilometer SCTEx. The NEDA-ICC approved the project on Oct. 21, 1999, at a cost of P15.247 billion.

In April 2000, the BCDA submitted an updated implementation program seeking approval for a 22.9-percent increase in project cost to P18.74 billion, because of changes in design and scope, based on the appraisal of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which is lending the money. The NEDA-ICC approved the request one year later.

In 2002 and 2003, detailed design and engineering work were performed by BCDA consultants. The JBIC conducted implementation review meetings with BCDA and NEDA. The NEDA monitoring staff met with their BCDA counterparts.

From September 2003 to January 2004, the BCDA conducted tenders for Package 1 (Subic-Clark section) and Package 2 (Clark-Tarlac section). By that time, the peso depreciation and drastic increases in the prices of construction materials (such as cement, steel and asphalt) had increased the estimated cost of civil works from P14.926 billion to P22.514 billion (51 percent).

In addition, design changes owing to site conditions and other factors added P2.596 billion to the estimated construction cost (17 percent), bringing the total to P25.11 billion.

* * *

NEGOTIATED DEAL: Although the estimated construction cost had risen to P25.11 billion, the BCDA bid out the project at an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) of P20.078 billion, equivalent to the loan proceeds for civil works provided by the JBIC.

This was done, Abaya said, on the premise that competition might cause the bidders to submit proposals closer to the ABC than the (higher) estimated construction cost.

The lowest bids, however, amounted to P27.013 billion, exceeding the ABC by P6.938 billion (35 percent) and the estimated construction cost by P1.903 billion (8 percent).

Under JBIC procurement guidelines, the BCDA had the option to either call for rebid, or to negotiate. The BCDA chose to negotiate and to reduce the scope of civil works, which meant reducing the number of interchanges from 11 to eight. The Floridablanca, Porac and Friendship interchanges in Clark were dropped.

* * *

YEN-PESO EFFECT: After scoping out some civil works, the BCDA estimated that the two contract packages would amount to around P22.078 billion. However NEDA-ICC set a lower ABC at P21 billion which was the peso equivalent of the JBIC loan at that time amounting to Yen41.9 billion, at an exchange rate of Yen1.96=P1.

In March 2005, after negotiations, the BCDA signed the contract with Kajima-Obayashi-JFE and Mitsubishi (KOJM) Joint Venture (Package 1), and with Hazama-Taisei-Nippon Steel (HTN) Joint Venture (Package 2) at P20.969 billion at an exchange rate of Yen1.96=P1.

Abaya said the strengthening of the peso would reduce the actual project cost (civil works) of P20.969 billion. At Yen 2.50=P1, he said this project cost in pesos will be reduced to P18.145 billion, resulting in savings of P600 million.

Anyway, the contract provides for price escalation, which he said is estimated at P3.891 million for a total of P21.436 billion.

* * *

P27.123-B COST: Abaya said that three additional interchanges and access roads will cost an additional P1.1 billion for a total direct cost (civil works) of P22.436 billion.

In addition to the direct cost, there are indirect costs (consultancy services, land acquisition and project management expenses) amounting to P3.340 billion and financing costs (such as interest during construction and finance department guaranty fee) of P1.230 billion — for a total project cost of P27.123 billion.

Of this total project cost, P18.099 billion will be financed from the JBIC original loan and P4.157 billion from a term loan (from local commercial banks). This leaves P4.867 billion to be financed from the P6.5-billion JBIC supplemental loan.

Now that the BCDA has laid down the figures, critics can probe deeper into the ever-growing costs of the unfinished SCTEx.

reggiedoc

July 12th, 2008, 11:58 PM

Goku_25

July 13th, 2008, 03:03 AM

Clark-Tarlac part of SCTEx to open

Central Luzon Desk, Inquirer.net
First Posted 21:01:00 07/12/2008

THE CLARK-TARLAC segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway will be opened to commercial traffic before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her State of the Nation Address on July 28, the chair of the Bases Conversion Development Authority has said.

BCDA Chair Aloysius Santos said Thursday that access to the Clark-Tarlac side was made possible as five overpasses there near completion.

The overpasses were for the use of farmers in crossing the expressway. They cost more than P200 million.

Motorists are to pay P2 per kilometer for use of the Clark-Tarlac side.

Three interchanges that would connect the expressway to Pampanga have not been built, however.

Sana na man, patuloy nang buksan yang Clark-Tarlac segment para tumaas na man yung revenues ng either BCDA or Tollways Management Corporation para magkaroon siguro ng pera na pag-gagawa ng remaining interchanges for SCTEx...

At sana naman i-expand yang NLEx Dau-Sta. Ines stretch from 2 lanes to 4 lanes at i-extend yan sa SCTEx para walang disgrasiya....

Blair

July 13th, 2008, 03:11 AM

Abaya cites early SCTEx completion

"The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has delivered to the country and our people the longest world-class expressway, and we are concentrating our collective energy in making travel through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) safe, comfortable and seamless."

Thus declared Narciso L. Abaya, BCDA president and CEO, who added that "this roadway has brought us closer to realizing the vision of President Arroyo in developing Clark and Subic as the best international service and logistic centers in the region.

He revealed: "As we are about to close the books of the original scope of work, we expect to realize savings of at least P600 to P700 million."

The savings were realized as a result of "a team effort of the BCDA project management staff and, for that matter, the entire BCDA Board of Directors for its regular fortnightly oversight of the SCTEx project," he added.

Part of this oversight is tightening of financial controls, so that only valid and legitimate claims are paid.

The project was completed in record time of three years which, observers noted, is the fastest in completion among government projects, considering its magnitude and complexity, not to mention the many issues attendant to a road construction project.

The BCDA chief noted that businessmen, traders, tourists and all other travelers have been citing SCTEx as "the most scenic of all expressways, and have made them proud as Filipinos." Those who traversed the 94-kilometer roadway said the SCTEx "is comparable to the best expressways in the West!"

In addition, Abaya echoed the sentiments of the business sector on the way the SCTEx is now playing a major role in the efficient delivery of goods and services thereby reducing the cost of doing business.

Likewise, tourists and the motorists have been pleased with the reduced travel time — saving on travel cost and fuel.

Abaya cited this positive feedback against the backdrop of negative statements coming from a few sectors still talking of project costs that rose a few levels due to foreign exchange fluctuations and the rise of the price index

kratos1211

July 20th, 2008, 06:42 PM

Clark-Tarlac tollway to open July 25
By Ding Cervantes
Monday, July 21, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT – The 32-kilometer portion of the 93.77-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) from this freeport to Tarlac will finally be opened to motorists past midnight on July 25, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said.

The BCDA said the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved a P2 per kilometer toll on the Clark-Tarlac segment for Class A vehicles, the same rate earlier approved for the Clark-Subic stretch opened to motorists last April.

“With the full commercial operations of the SCTEx following the opening of the remaining 32-km Clark-Tarlac stretch, travel time from Subic to Tarlac is reduced from more than two hours to a mere 65 minutes, or 40 minutes from Clark to Subic, and 25 minutes from Clark to Tarlac. From the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, travel time to Subic is reduced to one hour and a half,” the BCDA said in an advisory.

“The rate for Class B vehicles will be P4 per km and P6 for Class C. Class A vehicles intending to travel the full length of the SCTEx from Subic to Tarlac City will pay the maximum P181 toll, Subic to San Miguel, P172, and Subic to Concepcion, P144,” the BCDA said.

The entire SCTEx is being operated by the joint venture of First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corp., interim operator of SCTEx, said BCDA spokesperson Lani Macasaet.

The BCDA said, “Using the SCTEx entails savings on fuel consumption, reduced cost on vehicle maintenance, comfortable travel and relaxed driving.”

The expressway, it added, “is expected to boost investment, trade and employment opportunities in the region.”

The BCDA said the SCTEx has been “designed for a maximum 100 km-per-hour speed limit.”

Motorists, who have been using the Clark-Subic segment, however, have noted high-end cars speeding much faster than 100 kms per hour along the tollway, which is not equipped with monitoring devices like those on NLEX.

“The four-lane, asphalt-concrete highway has been built in accordance with global standards and boasts eight interchanges, 35 bridges, 255 culverts, 51 underpasses as well as a state-of-the-art flood management system. A computerized toll collection system and 24-hour roadside assistance program will be implemented for users’ convenience,” the BCDA said.

Robert Gervacio, SCTEx program manager, said the 32-km Clark-Tarlac stretch of the SCTEx was supposed to have opened together with the Clark-Subic segment last April, but there were overpasses for farmers that were still being built and electric lines being installed then.

“The rice farm crossings are actually overpasses that will allow farmers to have access to their fields, which were hitherto contiguous farmlands until SCTEx cut through them,” Gervacio said.

“These farmers are also our stakeholders, and they should continue to enjoy income from their produce. Their access to their rice farms on the other side of the roadway through these overpasses will assure that,” he added.

Sinjin P.

July 20th, 2008, 08:27 PM

^ Cool. Parang nagsisibukasan na ang lahat
ng pasilidad ah. Just in time for the SONA.
Hmmmm.

tyronne

July 21st, 2008, 01:28 AM

Dadaan na kaya yung mga provincial buses going north sa SCTEX?

CabanNgTuwa

July 21st, 2008, 02:05 AM

wala bang San Fernando Exit, Angeles City & Clark Exits? If I'm coming from Cabanatuan via LaPaz (Tarlac) Exit, and I am going to Angeles/SFP, what exit will I end up?

igi_master

July 21st, 2008, 02:37 AM

Sana nga magkarron na ng rutang provincial buses na

Manila Lapaz or Manila Zaragosa via SCTEX

ericlucky290

July 21st, 2008, 04:02 AM

wala bang San Fernando Exit, Angeles City & Clark Exits? If I'm coming from Cabanatuan via LaPaz (Tarlac) Exit, and I am going to Angeles/SFP, what exit will I end up?

Take the Clark North Exit ( in Mabalacat Town) and you will end up sa McArthur Hi Way or Take the Clark Spur road to exit sa NLEX and then take Angeles Exit of NLEX - labas mo non sa may Angeles City Hall.

sushi___

July 22nd, 2008, 05:54 AM

From North Luzon Express Way ano connection ng Bus papuntang baguio para diretso na ng tarlac at hindi na umiikot yung bus sa concepcion at sa pampanga... (mga 30 minutes din yun)

Thanks

igi_master

July 23rd, 2008, 03:18 AM

From North Luzon Express Way ano connection ng Bus papuntang baguio para diretso na ng tarlac at hindi na umiikot yung bus sa concepcion at sa pampanga... (mga 30 minutes din yun)

Thanks

I dont think na mas ok dumaan ng SCTEX ang ibang provincial buses, kasi yung terminus ng SCTEX na Tarlac Sta Rosa Road and then heading on to Mcarthur highway Tarlac City is more or less 15 Kms pa.

pau_p1

July 23rd, 2008, 03:27 AM

^ Cool. Parang nagsisibukasan na ang lahat
ng pasilidad ah. Just in time for the SONA.
Hmmmm.

oo nga ehh.. parang it folds down in time for the SONA hehehe.. anyways.. these are very good developments....

anonymous_filipino

July 23rd, 2008, 05:08 AM

Been wondering why few vehicles use the Subic-Clark segment of SCTEx.. Now I remember why... It's because on the NLEx, before and at the San Fernando Exit both Northbound and Southbound there is a huge brown sign that tells motorists "Subic Freeport take San Fernando Exit". The Tollways Management Corporation and MNTC should take down that sign, and instead put a similar sign before and at the Spur/NLEx Exit that says "Subic Freeport take Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway via Spur/NLEx Exit".

flip2_0

July 23rd, 2008, 02:28 PM

07/23/2008 | 08:00 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Clark-Tarlac segment of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will be finally be opened this Friday for motorists.

The move comes two months after the Subic-Clark segment was opened to vehicular traffic.

The completion of this project was made possible by a 59-billion yen (P28 billion) loan provided by Japan through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The loan has an interest rate of 0.95 percent per annum and a 40-year payment period with a 10-year grace period.

The SCTEx has 34 bridges, eight interchanges and a four-lane toll road that connects the Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Zambales, the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga, and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

In a statement, the Japanese Embassy in Manila siad "the new expressway will cut travel time between Clark and Subic to 40 minutes, between Clark and Tarlac to 25 minutes, and from NLEX in Metro Manila to Subic to around one hour and 30 minutes." - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/108858/Clark-Tarlac-segment-of-SCTex-opens-Friday

reggiedoc

July 23rd, 2008, 04:15 PM

Clark-Tarlac portion of SCTEx to open Friday :banana:

By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 19:52:00 07/23/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Almost three months after the launching of the Subic-Clark segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the Clark-Tarlac portion will open to traffic this Friday, marking the start of full commercial operation of the 94-kilometer expressway, the Japanese embassy said Wednesday.

"With an interest rate of 0.95 percent per annum and a 40-year payment period with a 10-year grace period, this yen loan provides the most concessional terms among various funding sources," the embassy said in a statement.

The project was bankrolled by a 59-billion-yen (approximately P28-billion) loan provided by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The highway has 34 bridges, eight interchanges, and a four-lane toll road, a briefer from the embassy said. It connects the country's most important economic zones in Central Luzon -- the Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Zambales, the Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga, and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

The new expressway is expected to cut travel time between Clark and Subic to 40 minutes, between Clark and Tarlac to 25 minutes, and from NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) in Metro Manila to Subic to around one hour and 30 minutes.

"This project will facilitate human and cargo transport in the Central Luzon area and contribute to the integrated and sustainable development of the regional economy," the embassy said.

The Japanese government, which is the country's biggest provider of overseas development assistance, said it supports the development of the Philippine transportation sector in line with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's 10-point agenda.

Japan has been a long-time partner in the construction and rehabilitation of national highways, particularly in the improvement of road networks and reduction of traffic congestion.

greenshields

July 24th, 2008, 01:52 AM

Goku_25

July 24th, 2008, 12:37 PM

With the opening of the Clark-Tarlac segment maybe we will finally have more vehicles using the SCTEX. As for buses, the big firms might already have an application with the DOTC-LTFRB to have routes via SCTEX. Again, medyo limited nga lang ang demand because they have yet to construct interchanges between Subic and Clark. The Joint Venture consortium is supposed to begin construction but there are still conflicts with the LGU's where these are to be built.

The SCTEx Clark-Tarlac segment, once opened, will decongest some parts of McArthur Highway and another highway passing through Concepcion, Tarlac. And I hope that Balem-Sta Ines Segment of NLEx should build new carriageway to end all problems of that segment and extend it to SCTEx.

stephencua

July 25th, 2008, 02:28 AM

taken from inquirer.net..

Japanese to build 4 SCTEx interchanges

By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:52:00 07/25/2008

MABALACAT, PAMPANGA – The two Japanese contractors of the Bases Conversion Development Authority have agreed to build the four interchanges on the Pampanga and Clark Freeport sides of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and finish these by mid-2009.

Narciso Abaya, BCDA president and chief executive officer, confirmed this to the Inquirer on Thursday on the eve of the opening of the Clark-Tarlac segment.

The Floridablanca and Porac interchanges will be built by the Kajima Corp., Obayashi Corp., JFE Engineering Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (KOJM), the builder of the 50.5-km Subic-Clark portion.

The Clark North and Clark South interchanges will be done by the Hazama-Taisei-Nippon Steel (HTN) Joint Venture, which completed the 43.27-km Clark-Tarlac segment.

Abaya said KOJM and the HTN agreed to do the interchanges because the project’s contract required them to undertake additional works.

The general managers of the two joint ventures declined to be interviewed on Thursday when the BCDA kicked off here its project to plant 20,000 trees in five years along the 94-km highway.

In previous interviews, they confirmed the hesitancy but declined to give the reasons for such.

Abaya said the construction of the interchanges would be funded by the P6.1-billion supplemental loan obtained by the BCDA from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

The JBIC also provided the P21-billion loan to build the SCTEx, the country’s newest and longest toll road.

Construction works have started for the Clark North, including its 3.8-km Panday Pira Road leading straight to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the country’s port of entry for the open skies regime of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations starting December this year.

The Clark South is being built as well.

Since the opening of the Subic-Clark segment on April 29, the Tollways Management Corp. reported a daily toll collection of P550,000.

This was below the projected income, Abaya said, adding that he hoped that over time and with the opening of the interchanges, more motorists would use the SCTEx.

The loan, payable in 30 years, has a 10-year grace period for the payment of the principal that starts in 2013. The government has begun paying the loan interest.

The BCDA will formally open the Clark-Tarlac section, which ends in La Paz town, at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.

“This brings us closer to the vision of President Macapagal-Arroyo to make Subic and Clark into an international logistics and service hub,” Abaya said at the launch of the greening project.

“Traveling here is fuel efficient. It is a safe access to the North,” he said. “This is a historic moment. It is record-setting [because] it was finished in three years’ time.”

stephencua

July 25th, 2008, 02:31 AM

oo nga ehh.. parang it folds down in time for the SONA hehehe.. anyways.. these are very good developments....

pau, politically motivated or not at least finally things are getting done.. and hopefully there would be more news in the SONA.. like LRT or northrail or whatever..

greenshields

July 25th, 2008, 03:15 AM

Once the Clark-Tarlac segment is opened to traffic then we'll see if the demand will steadily and significantly increase along SCTEX. Given that interchanges have yet to be constructed by the Japanese contractors and there are no concessions along the expressway, it should be expected that the projected traffic in the project FS cannot be realized in the short term.

Given the current 550,000 pesos per day earned by the tollways and knowing that they contracted operation to the Tollways Mgmt Corporation (operators of NLEX) then SCTEX might be operating at a loss and would have to revise projections in light of the loan payment conditions.

icarusrising

July 25th, 2008, 09:54 AM

Entire 94-km SCTEx now open (http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2008072451)

By Ding Cervantes
Friday, July 25, 2008

MABALACAT, Pampanga – The entire 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the country’s longest tollway, was opened to motorists at 12:01 a.m. today amid final estimates that it cost “slightly over P27 billion.”

Amid persistent conflict in reported figures, Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chairman Narciso Abaya told The STAR yesterday that the civil works alone cost P21.4 billion.

If the P1.1-billion cost of the four interchanges now being rushed in the northern and southern parts of Clark Freeport and in Floridablanca and Porac towns in Pampanga is included, the entire civil works would amount to P22.5 billion, Abaya said during a tree-planting activity here to mark the opening of the remaining 32-kilometer SCTEx stretch from Clark to Tarlac City.

The 50.5-kilometer stretch from Clark to Subic was opened to motorists last April, with a toll of P2 per kilometer for Class A vehicles.

Abaya said the total project cost would amount to “slightly over P27 billion” to include other costs such as the consultants’ fees, right of way, project management and administration, guarantee fee for the Department of Finance, and interest rates, among others.

Eighty-five percent or about P22.5 billion of the SCTEx project was funded by a loan from the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC).

The remaining amount came from the BCDA, loans from commercial banks, and bonds that were floated.

diz

July 25th, 2008, 09:57 AM

OK..... so it's expensive. How come the article focused on just that? Damn media.

icarusrising

July 25th, 2008, 10:00 AM

Some SCTEx pictures taken last July 19...

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/4/photos/109/1200x1200/1/IMGP3063.JPG?et=ta7o4ixHkk%2C4bRtKX487gQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/2/IMGP3064.JPG?et=ug4iWjWq4hYDVq%2BeTDVAqA&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/5/IMGP3068.JPG?et=juD8TDZm%2CWAzs1U5chNxmg&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/8/IMGP3071.JPG?et=3M%2B7i9c1KOy90P6hpChlyQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/6/IMGP3069.JPG?et=oEmGzgci9UsTxN5MAwhqyQ&nmid=106963414

http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/9/IMGP3072.JPG?et=QfEAqsDWFmSCGBYEAt6QHA&nmid=106963414

angelneo

July 26th, 2008, 09:09 AM

^^ nice pics! thanks...

leechtat

July 27th, 2008, 07:33 AM

mahal na rin pala ang toll diyan.. imagine to tarlac, almost 200 pesos na...

gorgeous shots though, the hillsides are so green.. thanks.. :applause: :master: icarus

kron05

July 27th, 2008, 10:12 AM

paid 69 pesos from tarlac to nlex exit kanina lang.

tisoycuba

July 28th, 2008, 09:17 PM

mahal na rin pala ang toll diyan.. imagine to tarlac, almost 200 pesos na...

gorgeous shots though, the hillsides are so green.. thanks.. :applause: :master: icarus

FROM TARLAC TO TIPO EXPRESS PO:)MURA NGA PO KAYSA SA NLEZ

allan_dude

August 10th, 2008, 11:30 AM

SCTEX to improve tourism in C. Luzon

By Reynaldo G. Navales

MABALACAT -- Tourism in Central Luzon has been in an upbeat mood following the full operation of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) recently.

This was disclosed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The Clark-Tarlac segment opened on July 25 while the Subic-Clark portion began commercial operations on April 28.

Regional Development Council (RDC) for the Ilocos Region chairman Salvador Duque said that providing a fast, safe and convenient access is integral to the country's tourism business.

With the new expressway, travel hours from Manila to Zambales and Bataan were reduced to almost half the time. Motorists going to Nueva Ecija and northern parts of Luzon, particularly Pangasinan, Baguio, La Union and Ilocos provinces, save almost an hour-and-a-half by passing through the Clark-to Tarlac segment of the expressway.

Based on traffic volume data, close to half million motorists have used the expressway since it opened last April. Majority of motorists have found SCTEX as a fast and convenient access to both Subic and Clark from all the major points in Luzon, including Metro Manila and Baguio.

This upward trend of traffic volume is expected to continue because there are now more entertainment choices and alternatives made available to travelers visiting Central Luzon.

"Visitors who wish to stay in Subic, for example, can take a 45-minute trip via SCTEX to events in Angeles City and return the same day. Those who are staying in Clark area, on the other hand, can always go to resorts in Zambales and be back in their hotels the same day without much hassle," Duque said.

Duque also noted that tourists from Northern Luzon provinces like La Union and Pangasinan can now visit Central Luzon more frequently because of the shorter travel time and excellent road conditions.

Local businessmen hoped that SCTEX will provide the much-awaited boost to Central Luzon's tourism and economic activities.

Duque said tourism is one of the strong potentials of the country to usher in the much-needed development.

"Central Luzon has tourist spots with similar appeal or better than any other places in Asia. SCTEX provides an efficient and fast transportation system to entice tourists in visiting the region, thus providing more employment and investment opportunity for Filipinos," he said.

Potential investors, according to Duque, come in the country initially as tourists.

"If they could see that the country has all facilities to support a business, then the next time they come might be the opening of their new businesses here," he said.

SCTEX connects three economic powerhouses in Central Luzon - the Subic Bay Freeport, Clark Freeport, and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

Economists view that with all these infrastructures, including the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and the seaport in Subic, are bound to help make Central Luzon a "Little China."

SCTEX will also be connected to the 85-kilometer four-lane Tarlac-La Union expressway, which is under construction, and is expected to boost trade, tourism, and speed up transportation in the provinces of Tarlac, Eastern Pangasinan and La Union.

BCDA officials said with the completion of SCTEX, Central Luzon would be ready to create a more progressive stance aimed at propelling the country to compete in the fast-rising global economy.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/08/09/news/sctex.to.improve.tourism.in.c..luzon.html

anonymous_filipino

August 10th, 2008, 04:22 PM

Lopez Group sells tollroad business to Metro Pacific
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña
Friday, August 8, 2008

The Lopez family is exiting the tollroad business with the sale of its corporate vehicle First Philippine Infrastructure Inc. (FPII) to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) for P12.26 billion.

The Lopezes, through First Philippine Holdings Corp. and Benpres Holdings Corp., own 99.84 percent of FPII, a publicly-listed firm which, in turn, owns 67.1 percent of the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) and 46 percent of the Tollways Management Corp. (TMC).

MNTC was granted a long term concession to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). TMC, its associate, operates and maintains the NLEX.

Angel S. Ong, president and chief operating officer of Benpres, said the divestment is in line with group’s strategy to trim debt to a more manageable level.

“This sale is the culmination of efforts to divest of the company’s tollroad business in support of its Balance Sheet Management Plan. Our commitment to our shareholders has always been to pursue financial restructuring that will make Benpres a stronger, more sustainable company going forward,” Ong said.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Benpres said it will receive P6.2 billion from the sale of its 49-percent stake in FPII, formerly traded as City Resources Corp. The remaining P6 billion will go to FPHC, which owns the remaining 51 percent of FPII.

MPIC, the local unit of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., will make a tender offer for the remaining 16- percent stocks held by the public, in publicly-listed FPII to comply with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s tender offer rule. The tender offer price to be made by MPIC, equivalent to P2.46705 per share, will amount to approximately P19.7 million.

Macquarie Capital ( Singapore ) Pte. Ltd. acted as the financial adviser to the Lopez group.

MPIC said P11.8 billion of the total consideration will be paid in cash on closing of the deal expected on November while the balance will be settled through assumption of certain advances.

Funding for the acquisition will come from shareholder advances from MPIC’s parent firm First Pacific and internally-generated cash.

MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said the transaction is in line with the group’s bid to focus on investments in infrastructure and utilities, including water distribution and tollways.

“The proposed acquisition will not only represent a key area of growth in the infrastructure business for MPIC, but also enhance the economic growth of Central and North Luzon. MPIC recognizes that the steady increase in population and urbanization should keep pace with the provision of domestic infrastructure that links resources to their channels and destinations, “ Pangilinan said.

MPIC president and chief executive officer Jose Ma. K. Lim, for his part, said the decision is in keeping with the company’s goal “to consider carefully new investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, that will deliver recurring profits and strong cash flows.”

With the continuing service improvements and marketing enhancements that our operating companies are undergoing, our involvement in toll road operations will complement and strengthen our existing investment portfolio to achieve greater shareholder value.”

With the acquisition, MPIC will effectively own 67.1 percent of MNTC which is the builder and concessionaire of the 84-kilometer world-class highway that connects Metro Manila, with Central and Northern Luzon .

MNTC was established in 1998 in response to the call of the Philippine government for private sector partners willing to provide the capital and technical expertise needed to build the infrastructure vital to national growth.

Other shareholders of MNTC include Egis Projects S.A. of France, reportedly the world’s biggest tollways operator; Leighton Asia Ltd. of Australia, a civil works specialist with an extensive track record in toll road construction; and Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), the state-owned company that holds the franchise for the operation of the expressway.

nayki

August 10th, 2008, 04:42 PM

Some SCTEx pictures taken last July 19...
http://images.icarusrising.multiply.com/image/3/photos/109/1200x1200/9/IMGP3072.JPG?et=QfEAqsDWFmSCGBYEAt6QHA&nmid=106963414

San po ba sa Tarlac ang termining point ng SCTEX? Sa Tarlac city?
Sa nakikita ko kasing fee by distance na asa pic above, ung conception at san miguel ay tarlac province na, so ung asa dulo ng list na tarlac lang, is it pertaining to tarlac city?

PasigGuy

August 11th, 2008, 02:00 AM

Clark - Tarlac SCTEX segment pictures, anyone?

icarusrising

August 12th, 2008, 12:28 PM

SCTEx seen to boost tourism,
economy in Central Luzon (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/08122008/economy06.html)

By Jacob Cunanan
Correspondent

TOURISM in Central Luzon is seen to get a big boost after close to half-a-million vehicles had been recorded to have used the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the full stretch of which was opened for full operation recently.

Regional Development Council for Region 1 (RDC-1) chairman Dr. Salvador Duque said providing fast, safe and convenient access is integral to the country’s tourism business.

Based on traffic volume information gathered at the SCTEx, close to half a million motorists have used the expressway since it opened in April.

The Subic-Clark section of the SCTEx began commercial operations on April 28, while the Clark-Tarlac segment officially opened on July 25, fully opening the whole 94-kilometer expressway, currently the longest expressway in the country.

Duque said this surge in traffic volume is expected to continue as there are now more entertainment choices and alternatives made available to travelers visiting Central Luzon.

“Visitors staying in Subic, for example, can take a 45-minute trip via the SCTEx to events in Angeles City and return the same day. Those in Clark, on the other hand, can always go to resorts in Zambales and be back at their hotels the same day without much hassle,” Duque said.

Duque said a majority of the motorists have found the SCTEx offering a fast and convenient access to both Subic and Clark from all the major points in Luzon, including Metro Manila and Baguio.

The new expressway cuts travel hours from Manila to Zambales and Bataan to almost half the time, while motorists going to Nueva Ecija and the northern parts of Luzon, particularly Pangasinan, Baguio, La Union and Ilocos now save almost an hour-and-a-half by passing through the Clark-Tarlac section of the SCTEx.

He noted tourists from Northern Luzon can now visit Central Luzon more frequently because of the shorter travel time and excellent road conditions. Local businessmen are hopeful the SCTEx will provide the much-awaited boost to tourism and economic activities in Central Luzon.

Duque said tourism is one of the strong potentials of the country to usher in the much-needed development.

“Central Luzon has tourist spots with similar or better appeal than other places in Asia. The SCTEx provides an efficient and fast transportation system to entice tourists to visit the region, providing employment and investment opportunities for the Filipinos,” he said.

Even potential investors, Duque pointed out, would come to the country initially as tourists to scout for possible business opportunities.

“If they see the country has all the facilities to support a business, then the next time they come might be the opening of their new businesses here,” he said.

SCTEx connects three economic powerhouses in the region: the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

Economists view infrastructure at the three economic zones, plus the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark and the seaport in Subic are bound to make Central Luzon a “Little China.”

There are also plans to connect the SCTEx with the 85-kilometer, four-lane Tarlac-La Union expressway, which is under construction, and is expected to boost trade and tourism and speed up transportation between Tarlac, Eastern Pangasinan and La Union.

wheel of steel

August 12th, 2008, 12:46 PM

On usual construction activities, clearing and relocation along the right of way are done simultaneously. Dont' be surprised it they used the word under construction. Relax, once they've clear the mess, paving is as easy as 123.

Goku_25

August 31st, 2008, 05:19 AM

Any Updates? Can you post any pics of Clark-Tarlac segment of SCTEx?

TONZI

September 3rd, 2008, 01:25 PM

galing ng SCTEX, parang nasa autobahn ng germany...Sana ganito lahat ng highways ng Pinas!

boboyv

September 9th, 2008, 04:02 AM

We are proud of what BCDA did to connect two important growth centers in Central Luzon. Clark has the capacity to relieve congestion of Manila Airport and Subic can also relieve congestion of North Harbor. Both Clark and Subic are poised to bring development outside Manila.

With SCTEX now in operation and with all the breath taking views, local tourism has been given a boost. Both Clark and Subic has the places for family and companies' Rest and Recreation facilities.

At the Eastern end of SCTEX, which is Tarlac, Luisita is the third leg of the development target. Motorists going to Baguio and other destination in the North will find a leisurely drive to Luisita.

Development in road building will continue in the immediate future. The plan to construct Tarlac to La Union expressway (at the foot of Kennon Road) is soon to start.

This region of the country is soon take off. Good places for tourism, locators and local travellers has just been made accessible.

I love this country. Zambales alone has 111 kilometers of beach front not countring Bataan, Pangasinan, La Union and the small islands. For those coming from temperate region, areas of subic, Zambales up to Ilocos have one of the longest summer in the Philippines. It starts in October. Beat it.

boboyv

September 9th, 2008, 04:45 AM

So much have been written about the beautiful expressways like NLEX, SCTEX, and soon the SLEX will be rehabilitated too. I guess the question to ask is, are we Filipinos ready to drive in an expressway with all its international features?

If I look at the statistics, the answer seems to be negative. More than seventy percent of accidents are due to drivers' error. At NLEX and SCTEX a number of accidents are also due to tire failure. Why? with the drivers' error leading the stats coupled with running coffin on the road, these world class roadways and its safety features will not abet accidents.

In the end good roads will benefit most those who know how to drive properly and those who know how to maintain their vehicle.

arnolds

September 9th, 2008, 04:50 AM

Most NLEX drivers have been pretty good in keeping to the right lane. You're right about the tire failures, vehicle maintenance has been lacking and there's no enforcement at the vehicle registration level.

As for SLEX, the weekly accidents due to the carelessness of the contractor does not bode well for its quality. I used to give MTD the benefit of the doubt but 60% into the construction, I still don't see how SLEX will ever compare to the quality of NLEX and SCTEX.

Goku_25

September 22nd, 2008, 02:11 AM

Some SCTEx pics from nrjmail of Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2802677202_aa1d939c19_o.jpg
La Paz Interchange, parang similar sa Sta. Ines Exit ng NLEx. I think pagkatapos mag-construct diyan ng TLUEx, they should make a decent exit there.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3257/2801828375_a338d607a0_o.jpg
San Miguel Interchange... parang di pa tapos ang ibang sections ahh... Anyway baka taken pa yan before the opening of SCTEx

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2802571278_b8a53df212_o.jpg
Clark North Interchange...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2802674988_c56a1ff78e_o.jpg
Sacobia Bamban Bridge

sushi___

September 22nd, 2008, 05:49 AM

roads and farms .. nice mix... more pictures ... thanks...

juandecervantes

September 23rd, 2008, 02:26 PM

dapat ipagbawal nila ang pagpapatayo ng mga billbord at gusali sa SCTEX maliban sa mga gasolinahan. sayang eh! napakaganda ang expressway.

Goku_25

September 24th, 2008, 12:30 PM

dapat ipagbawal nila ang pagpapatayo ng mga billbord at gusali sa SCTEX maliban sa mga gasolinahan. sayang eh! napakaganda ang expressway.

Oo nga, hindi lang pampasira ng scenic view, padagdag disgrasiya din ang mga yan lalo na pag may bagyo. Tingan mo ang nangyari sa may Magallanes Interchange ata ng SLEx, maraming distroso pag may billboards...

dave3

September 28th, 2008, 07:52 AM

I took these photos on the SCTEx back in May 2008. It looked like it was almost ready to rain, but not quite. It was a lovely drive.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/3140844946_458713cb6a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3140844946/)
Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3140018615_b4b597b4b8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3140018615/)
Wide Open

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3140850974_9c9ecb0e1a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3140850974/)
Around the Curve

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3140027135_818c890b71.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3140027135/)
The Open Road

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/3140859322_ae36fac98f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3140859322/)
There's Sunlight Past the Storm Clouds

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/3161845164_95f2d7c02a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3161845164/)
A Beautiful Drive on the SCTEx

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3161562659_fa0a6522af.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3161562659/)
SCTEx Scenery

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/233/3161574489_729dc51093.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3161574489/)
Sun Peeking Through the Clouds

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3161582861_2902ec3d0c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3161582861/)
Overpass

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3162436434_8f88dc07a3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/voxph/3162436434/)
NLEx Exit

diz

September 28th, 2008, 08:08 AM

^^ Gorgeous shots!

absinthe_888

September 28th, 2008, 11:38 AM

nice pics! sir meh speed limit ba sa SCTEx?

dave3

September 28th, 2008, 02:57 PM

Thanks diz. I think the speed limit is 100 kph.

absinthe_888

September 28th, 2008, 08:11 PM

thanks dave3 :) akala ko pwede dito mga 160+ hehe

FlashCollider

September 30th, 2008, 01:55 AM

flip2_0

September 30th, 2008, 10:58 PM

thanks dave3 :) akala ko pwede dito mga 160+ hehe

Dumaan kami ng SCTEx to and from SBMA nung weekend bandang hapon. Iyong ibang sasakyan tumatakbo sila betweeen 80-120kph even during the harshest weather then brought about by the LPA sa South China Sea. Hanep talaga! :)

Ganda talaga ng view, boring lang after a while kasi parang Windows XP default wallpaper lang... Green fields and blue sky! :nuts:

hifx

October 9th, 2008, 12:34 AM

Thursday, October 09, 2008
Traffic to be re-routed along Clark's M.A. Roxas Highway

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has announced the traffic re-routing along M.A. Roxas Highway (formerly Mitchell Highway) here Thursday to give way to the construction of Subic-Clark-Tarlac access road.

"As part of our continuing infrastructure development program, please be informed that the Road Construction of MA Roxas and Spur Road 2 Clark South Interchange Crossing Panday Pira Access Road and Clark South Interchange, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project, Package-2 Clark-Tarlac Section shall commence on October 9," CDC president Benigno Ricafort said in a memorandum circular.

Ricafort said the road construction will be done in two stages: The first stage is expected to be completed on November 30, while the second phase is expected to be completed by the end of February next year.

"Consequently, a traffic re-routing scheme will be implemented for the entire duration of the above activities," he added.

But CDC traffic enforcers will be deployed in the area to provide motorists a safe travel inside the freeport, the CDC president said.

Ricafort also asked for the public's patience during the duration of the construction period, as the infrastructure project will benefit locators and visitors of the industrial estate 5 area.

The construction of the project will also provide transit access to the SCTEx to and from Subic Bay Freeport and Tarlac province.

brownman

October 9th, 2008, 07:49 AM

@ dave3: nice shots!:okay: The drive looks very scenic indeed.:)

nico216

October 10th, 2008, 09:02 AM

anawangin cove. this is one of the places in zambales you could easily get to using the subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k132/nico216/AnawanginCove.jpg

flymordecai

October 11th, 2008, 09:09 PM

:shocked: Beautiful!

leechtat

October 12th, 2008, 07:03 AM

anawangin cove. this is one of the places in zambales you could easily get to using the subic Clark Tarlac Expressway.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k132/nico216/AnawanginCove.jpg

^^ gorgeous place.. last night in our beer sessions, my friend totally recommended that place.. he said it was virgin... i hope to go there next month... sobrang mura lang daw magastos nyo, as in camping-out mura..

bledzoe

October 12th, 2008, 01:50 PM

any idea how to get there? is it accessible by car?

dancethingy

October 12th, 2008, 08:23 PM

^^ gorgeous place.. last night in our beer sessions, my friend totally recommended that place.. he said it was virgin... i hope to go there next month... sobrang mura lang daw magastos nyo, as in camping-out mura..

Virgin for how long??? You should go as soon as possible. There are a lot of neglectful and inconsiderate campers out there that are incapable of distinguishing a pristine place from a sanitary landfill. Look at what happened to Mt. Apo several years back. Garbage, garbage everywhere!!!

I wonder how many thousands of cigarette butts now litter anawangin cove. One of my greatest pet peeve is seeing people light up their cancer sticks on the beach and bury them in the sand after using. EEeeeeeeewwwwww.

It takes a hundred plus years for cigarette butts to biodegrade.

absinthe_888

October 13th, 2008, 01:57 PM

buti na lang i don't smoke hehehe...anyway, who owns this anawangin cove, iba pa ba to sa anvaya cove?

flip2_0

October 14th, 2008, 06:00 AM

buti na lang i don't smoke hehehe...anyway, who owns this anawangin cove, iba pa ba to sa anvaya cove?

Anvaya Cove is in Morong, Bataan. Anawangin is in San Antonio, Zambales.

nico216

October 15th, 2008, 12:36 PM

buti na lang i don't smoke hehehe...anyway, who owns this anawangin cove, iba pa ba to sa anvaya cove?

no one owns anawangin.. err.. the filipino people own it.. haha.. bsta its public..

absinthe_888

October 15th, 2008, 06:12 PM

thanks for the clarification guys :p

oboi

October 19th, 2008, 07:59 PM

Some pics of SCTex I unearthed from my baul. Took these shots when it first opened to the public last March 20, 2008.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex01.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex02.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex03.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex04.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex05.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex06.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sctex07.jpg

flymordecai

October 20th, 2008, 12:07 AM

Beautiful photos! It would be very pleasant to drive through this expressway.

How's the traffic?

mhek

October 20th, 2008, 12:37 PM

nico216

October 21st, 2008, 03:44 PM

pano po pumunta jan kung commute lang?

where are you comming from b? if manila.. punta k sa victory caloocan.. sakay k ng "iba".. baba ka ng san antonio.. ts mgtryke ka nalang.. sbhn m sa pundaquit.. ts sakay k ng boat.. sbhn m anawangin.. hope nakatulong..:) mas mabilis kung mgrent ka nalang or ikaw n mgdrive para s sctex kana dadaan para mabilis

[dx]

October 22nd, 2008, 02:54 PM

NLEX and SCTEX in less than 4 Minutes

TJE_cM7xyrY
by saltshock
(http://www.youtube.com/user/saltshock)

Travel the North Luzon Expressway and the brand new Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in less than four minutes. Of course possible only through time lapse. Camera used - Nikon D80, with intervalometer.

bardigones

October 23rd, 2008, 03:06 AM

new updates at the website: http://www.bcda.gov.ph/

angelneo

October 23rd, 2008, 03:35 AM

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/SCTEx-Map-2008.10.22.jpg

nayki

October 23rd, 2008, 05:53 AM

^^Thanks angelneo for posting. Matagal na ako nagtatanong dito sa sa ssc kung san nag e-end ang sctex sa tarlac wala makasagot. :)

oboi

October 23rd, 2008, 04:52 PM

Beautiful photos! It would be very pleasant to drive through this expressway.

How's the traffic?

Indeed it's breathtaking. Traffic is still light compared to SLEX and NLEX.

nico216

October 24th, 2008, 02:43 PM

;26959624']NLEX and SCTEX in less than 4 Minutes

TJE_cM7xyrY
by saltshock
(http://www.youtube.com/user/saltshock)

cool.

brownman

October 24th, 2008, 04:20 PM

Parang autobahn lang oh.
Very nice!

barrera_marquez

October 24th, 2008, 11:12 PM

Mayroon na po bang provincial bus na dumadaan ng SCTEx? Salamat po... para kasing walang provincial bus na dumaraan sa SCTEx.

absinthe_888

October 25th, 2008, 07:34 AM

Victory Liner ba ay provincial bus? Meh dumadaan na VL buses dito Bagiuo destination. Yung luxury coach nila na meh CR sa loob at stewardess...

barrera_marquez

October 25th, 2008, 09:22 AM

Victory Liner ba ay provincial bus? Meh dumadaan na VL buses dito Bagiuo destination. Yung luxury coach nila na meh CR sa loob at stewardess...

Opo

absinthe_888

October 25th, 2008, 05:54 PM

Parang meh nakikita kz akong victory coach, anu yun shuttle service nila?

barrera_marquez

October 26th, 2008, 01:36 AM

Parang meh nakikita kz akong victory coach, anu yun shuttle service nila?

Pwede...

Goku_25

October 27th, 2008, 03:10 AM

SCTEx Tarlac Portion from luke_mendoza of Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2970811555_182f97bd69_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2971654556_3eb06857df_b.jpg

SCTEx Tarlac Portion from EvangelAlbert of Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2929483765_cec653a846_b.jpg

When you pass the Clark-Tarlac Portion, you can see farmer's overpasses always.

SCTEx Pic from eye doctor of Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2969658128_2d0a0076d1_b.jpg

Some SCTEx Pics from arnoldzafra of Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2955897679_8fcf44c96b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2955897335_6c03810650_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2956741454_b79c34ee83_o.jpg

diz

October 27th, 2008, 03:50 AM

gorgeous powerlines. :drool:

sushi___

October 27th, 2008, 06:21 AM

Victory Liner ba ay provincial bus? Meh dumadaan na VL buses dito Bagiuo destination. Yung luxury coach nila na meh CR sa loob at stewardess...

Deluxe Bus ng Victory Liner yun mula baguio, hindi shuttle service ng Victory...
bale 3 or 4 trips per day , dumadaan sa SCTEx.. 710.00 pesos pamasahe one way... (mahal sobra.. OA) travel time from Baguio kapag madaling araw
gamit deluxe bus pwedeng 4-5 hours...

barrera_marquez

October 27th, 2008, 07:05 AM

Bakit kaya wala pa ring provincial buses na dumadaan ng SCTEx? Didn't they know that some commuters are willing to pay just to use a world-class, traffic jam-free road?

absinthe_888

October 27th, 2008, 07:22 AM

Deluxe Bus ng Victory Liner yun mula baguio, hindi shuttle service ng Victory...
bale 3 or 4 trips per day , dumadaan sa SCTEx.. 710.00 pesos pamasahe one way... (mahal sobra.. OA) travel time from Baguio kapag madaling araw
gamit deluxe bus pwedeng 4-5 hours...

Yup I know, meh nakikita lang ako sa minsan na mga Victory Coach, napaisip lang ako kung shuttle service ba ito ng VL...Na try mo na ba tong deluxe buses? Balak kz namin mag Bagiuo eh mag communte na lang kami. TY

pi_malejana

October 27th, 2008, 07:42 AM

^^depends on what type of bus you're going to take...

kinglong ng VLI ang maganda (sabi sa flickr), may ibang bus kasi, ni-reconfigure na lang para maging deluxe...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shining_daggers02/1345020645/

2x1 seating configuration; limited to no stop--may cr na; may stewardess daw, at may libreng snack (light lang ito kaya kung gusto mong mabusog sa 5 -hr trip, kumain ka na lang ng marami...)

victory coach ay parang tourist bus, kelangan ng reservation at mostly ginagamit din ito bilang shuttle service nila....

absinthe_888

October 27th, 2008, 07:50 AM

magkano kaya isang king long na bus...yung top of the line king long talaga...ayun parang shuttle service nga victory coach, thanks for the clarification..

sushi___

October 27th, 2008, 08:24 AM

Yup I know, meh nakikita lang ako sa minsan na mga Victory Coach, napaisip lang ako kung shuttle service ba ito ng VL...Na try mo na ba tong deluxe buses? Balak kz namin mag Bagiuo eh mag communte na lang kami. TY

yup tried it thrice, mahal talaga... maluwag yung mga seats... pero havent tried it lately na dumadaan sa SCTEx, ok naman , malinis yung CR, free bottle of water, and one snack (presto creams ata na 10 pcs dati, nung dati naman caramel bar ata), mga bago yung mga nasasakyan kong deluxe hindi reconfigured... kung medyo nagmamadali at hassle free mag deluxe bus... you just need to reserve through phone (puwede na as long as you must pay 2 hours the latest before your trip) or just reserve dun sa mismong cubao station mabilis kasi mapuno deluxe

absinthe_888

October 27th, 2008, 08:51 AM

thanks sushi! :)

Ph Man

October 27th, 2008, 08:10 PM

very nice find Goku. I might want to try those buses plying along SCTEX. :banana:

Goku_25

October 28th, 2008, 01:20 AM

very nice find Goku. I might want to try those buses plying along SCTEX. :banana:

That's it.... I post some of SCTEx Clark-Tarlac portion since others didn't post at this time. I have already looking for that portion of SCTEx since September using Flickr...

hirolionheart

October 29th, 2008, 06:24 AM

Kuha mula sa Victory Liner bus habang dumadaan sa NLEX pauwi galing ng Baguio City noong Oct. 25, 2008 kaya malabo at hindi nakuha yung mismong kalsada ng SCTEX...

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/hirolionheart/DSCF2290.jpg
Nung papunta't pabalik kami ng Baguio, napansin ko na wala masyadong dumadaan dito...

Ah, bale sa SCTEX pala dumadaan ang Deluxe VL buses papuntang Baguio City, akala ko kasi sina Gloria pa lang ang nakadaan dito eh, hehehe:lol:

Magkakano naman ang toll fees ng SCTEX?

absinthe_888

October 29th, 2008, 08:01 AM

read the previous posts, andun ang toll rates :)

barrera_marquez

October 29th, 2008, 09:42 AM

Nagtayo kasi sila ng expressway na kulang-kulang ang exit kaya tuloy walang direct exit sa Clark... patay...

Tapos hindi pa masyadong kilala SCTEx at wala pang provincial buses na lumilipad dito....

hirolionheart

October 29th, 2008, 09:49 AM

Nagtayo kasi sila ng expressway na kulang-kulang ang exit kaya tuloy walang direct exit sa Clark... patay...

Tapos hindi pa masyadong kilala SCTEx at wala pang provincial buses na lumilipad dito....

Oh i see, kaya naman pala parang walang dumadaan ng SCTEX nung nakita ko.
Hay, may mga flaws din pala ang bagong expressway na yan...:ohno:

kratos1211

October 29th, 2008, 01:26 PM

Magkakano naman ang toll fees ng SCTEX?

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/TRB-Matrix.jpg

Nagtayo kasi sila ng expressway na kulang-kulang ang exit kaya tuloy walang direct exit sa Clark... patay...

Mayroon naman direct exit (Clark North B Exit, Clark South Exit), but it is still under construction, sa 2009 pa ito matatapos.

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/SCTEx-Map-2008.10.22.jpg

hirolionheart

October 29th, 2008, 01:37 PM

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/TRB-Matrix.jpg

Mayroon naman direct exit (Clark North B Exit, Clark South Exit), but it is still under construction, sa 2009 pa ito matatapos.

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/SCTEx-Map-2008.10.22.jpg

Thanks for the info!:)
Reasonable naman pala yung toll fees dahil mapapabilis talaga ang biyahe at may scenic views pa habang dumadaan ng SCTEX:okay:

I see..., U/C naman pala ang missing crucial exits:banana:

angelneo

October 30th, 2008, 03:51 PM

Sabi ng cousin ko na nagtatrabaho for the construction firm working on the SCTEx exits, Feb. 2009 ang target opening sa mga ibang exits..

hirolionheart

October 30th, 2008, 03:54 PM

Sabi ng cousin ko na nagtatrabaho for the construction firm working on the SCTEx exits, Feb. 2009 ang target opening sa mga ibang exits..

Nice! Malapit na rin pala...
Thanks for the info:)

absinthe_888

October 30th, 2008, 06:56 PM

Ramdam ang Kaunlaran :p

arnolds

October 30th, 2008, 08:39 PM

SCTEX = Subic Conception Tarlac Expressway....hahahaha...napalitan ang Clark. Nakakhiya talaga, ang gagarapal ng mga mga nangungurakot!

angelneo

October 31st, 2008, 02:19 AM

^^ huh?

nayki

October 31st, 2008, 04:18 AM

http://www.bcda.gov.ph/downloads/TRB-Matrix.jpg

San po dito iyong NLEX entrance Concepcion ba?? Kung galing ako ng NLEX going to Baguio, ano sa palagay nyo makakamura ba ako sa gas kung gagamitin ko ang SCTEX para mag exit sa Tarlac? Nakikita ko kasi dito 38 pesos from conception to Tarlac....halos 1 liter ng diesel din ang katumbas nya. Eh baka mas matipid naman sa fuel kung tuloy2 naman ang byahe...

flip2_0

November 3rd, 2008, 04:46 AM

pi_malejana

November 3rd, 2008, 06:05 AM

flip2_0

November 3rd, 2008, 06:58 AM

^^ are there any other exists that could've brought them to NLEX?? ilan po ba ang booths nung toll exit, and nung dumaan po ba kayo, bukas lahat ng booths?? thanks for the pics/update..:okay:

hmm. good thing VLI used SCTEX, saw it in the 3rd picture.. there were also 3 more buses behind... sana tuloy tuloy nang gamitin ng mga buses ito... nakita ko rin pala sa news na almost 30+ cars din ang haba ng bocaue exit sa NLEX southbound...

Uhmmm, Dinalupihan na lang dahil lumagpas na ang lahat sa Concepcion exit. Sana may radyo man lang sila to inform us in advance na may queue na pala and to instead take the Magalang-Concepcion alternate route. Sarado pa kasi iyong Clark North, Clark South (nearest to NLEX), Porac and Floridablanca. All 4 (or 5) booths were open plus they were looking at using the other two booths on the inbound side as backup. Problem lang, buo kasi iyong center island so they were to use sandbags for cars to cross the center island and use the other way's lane/s to exit nung palabas na kami... ewan ko lang kkung ginawa nila iyon...

Hindi nila talaga na-anticipate iyong dami ng commuters using the new expressway from provinces up north. Sana ginaya na nila iyong setup now ng NLEX na wider iyong toll booths to prevent this from happening since the purpose of NLEX exit is to (sort of) connect SCTEX seamlessly with NLEX.

pi_malejana

November 3rd, 2008, 07:03 AM

^^ thanks..:)

oo nga, sana pag kumita na sila, babaguhin na nila ang mga setup ng ganyan exits na nagiging choke points tuwing holidays.. oh wait, decades pa pala bago kumita dito ang gov't..:nuts: utang na lang ulit...

barrera_marquez

November 3rd, 2008, 01:59 PM

^^ Hindi lang pala isa ang palya ng SCTEx, pati pala yung mga tollgates nila. Patay... buti na rin sigurong wala munang dumaan na bus diyan kundi wala na... sana palawakin nga iyan...

absinthe_888

November 3rd, 2008, 03:17 PM

Pinakita nga yan sa TV Patrol Linggo, monstrous traffic jam at SCTEx NLEx connection...meh mga dumaan na sa tabi ng kalsada. Parang meh ngcounterflow pa.

metrosuburban

November 3rd, 2008, 10:35 PM

there are only 4 toll booths in NLEX exit so may build up talaga every holiday.. but it's a good thing that many cars are using sctex as alternative..

kratos1211

November 7th, 2008, 10:11 AM

^^
Huge traffic buildup reported at SCTEX, NLEX last weekend

SCTEX traffic volume peaked at 33,000 vehicles last Saturday

Manila Bulletin
Jun Velasco

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga -- The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) cited yesterday its operations group for efficient handling of last weekend’s unusual upsurge of south-bound vehicles at the Clark Logistics toll plaza that required the implementation of contingency measures.

The huge traffic buildup at the exit point of the Clark Logistics toll plaza leading to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) started to develop at about 11 a.m. last Sunday. Noting the long queue of vehicles, the toll way operations officials deployed additional ambulant tellers, set up a manual station, and temporarily converted two entry lanes and a road shoulder into exit lanes.

The Tollways Management Corp. (TMC), which operates both the SCTEX and NLEX, attributed the pileup to the influx of some 18,000 vehicles in a "relatively short period."

A similar traffic buildup also took place at the much larger Bocaue toll plaza of NLEX , which has 22 toll booths and wider outgoing carriageway.

Traffic volume on SCTEx peaked to about 33,000 vehicles last Saturday when people flocked to the provinces to pay respects to their departed loved ones.

The figure represented a 175 percent increase over the normal traffic volume of about 12,000 vehicles during weekends.

The TMC reported that over 18,000 vehicles entered SCTEx last Friday. It was almost double the average volume of 9,000 on weekdays.

The government-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) viewed the hefty growth in vehicle traffic as a "manifestation of widening public awareness of the advantages of using the SCTEx for safe, speedy travel."

SCTEx spokesman and program manager Robert Gervacio noted that despite the unprecedented increases, overall operation on the 94-kilometer tollway proceeded smoothly. "We continued to operate at about 100 percent efficiency, while queues at the toll plazas remained manageable at any given time," Gervacio said.

"On the whole, we did not encounter any major problem last Friday and Saturday because the influx of traffic was somehow evenly spread out throughout the day," he also said.

Gervacio said pro-active measures were quickly put in place as the need arose. These include deployment of ambulant tellers to speed up the motorists’ passage through the entry and exit points.

To cope with the upsurge of customers, the toll tellers had to accomplish some 700 transactions per hour, equivalent to one transaction every five seconds — a sharp rise compared to 180 on ordinary days.

bartstrife99

November 8th, 2008, 11:50 AM

November 2, 2008, between and 3 and 4pm

http://i36.tinypic.com/dyq9fn.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2kgfv5.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/346kf8x.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/25p2yis.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/nqwttz.jpg

Took almost an hour and a half for the more or Less 2 kilometer stretch
(1km before the entry point to the toll plaza) :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

nyaks anu ba eto para kang nasa edsa ahh sa tindi ng traffic dapat laparan pa yang expressway na yan! panu pa kung tapos na yung DMIA ang laking congested na mangyayari dyan! for the next coming year's.

Arciga_01

November 8th, 2008, 09:24 PM

Actually, Mas malapad pa nga yan kaysa sa NLEX eh.

barrera_marquez

November 8th, 2008, 10:55 PM

nyaks anu ba eto para kang nasa edsa ahh sa tindi ng traffic dapat laparan pa yang expressway na yan! panu pa kung tapos na yung DMIA ang laking congested na mangyayari dyan! for the next coming year's.

Ang problema po diyan e kulang yung mga slots sa toll gates kapag Xmas or holidays...

Goku_25

November 9th, 2008, 10:35 AM

Monday, November 03, 2008
4 SCTEx interchanges 'still on track' (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/pam/2008/11/03/news/4.sctex.interchanges.still.on.track..html)

CLARK FREEPORT -- The most sought-after interchanges for the province that will link up various towns and this Freeport to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) are "still" on track, an official said.

Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan said the Clark North interchange would be opened before December this year.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

"We want to link our rural communities to the SCTEx. This, in turn, would spur the needed developments in these areas were the interchanges will rise. So far, the approach to the Clark North Interchange is being constructed," he said.

The construction of the said interchanges is estimated at P200 million each. It is also expected to directly link the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and the Freeport to the P27.7 billion SCTEx.

At least P1 billion will be poured into the construction of the new interchanges along SCTEx that include a new one in Floridablanca, one in Porac, and two in Clark, near Mabalacat.

"As we keep on saying, we want to open the interchanges just before the end of the President's term in 2010, but the Clark North Interchange would be opened to the public as a sort of an early Christmas and New Year gift," Pamintuan added.

SCTEx is expected to play an important role in the development of the mega-logistics and services hub in the Subic-Clark Corridor, with Subic as site of a deep-sea port and Clark as site of an international airport. (IOF)

igi_master

December 3rd, 2008, 10:09 AM

Nakwento lang ng pinsan ko last saturday when I was in Tarlac. I googled it. totoo pala

4 killed, 2 hurt in SCTEX accident
11/26/2008 | 09:45 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Four people were killed while two others were injured in a road accident involving a military truck and a sport utility vehicle along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) section in Pampanga province Tuesday night.

Read Full story
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/135747/4-killed-2-hurt-in-SCTEX-accident

Arciga_01

December 3rd, 2008, 08:56 PM

Jose said this is the first major accident in the SCTEX. She added that the newly-opened thoroughfare was “well-lighted and had reflectorized lane markings."

Well lighted my butt, Nung napadaan kami dito, halos wala akong makitang street light eh...

Anyway, rest in peace para dun sa mga namatay sa aksidente nayan. Lalo na un nag bihayeng langit na driver ng SUV.

winztotoy

December 4th, 2008, 12:39 AM

reflectorized ang lane markings and side railings ng SCTEX. kahit walang street lights sa ibang parts, the road can be seen clearly at night... pero in some parts between concepcion and tarlac nabubura na ang lane markings, so hula-hula na lang kung saan ang tamang lane pag gabi...

diz

December 4th, 2008, 12:50 AM

Accidents are not normal in the Philippines thankfully. In my metro area of only 500,000, there's at least two every rush hour.

kratos1211

December 4th, 2008, 05:16 AM

Road-upgrading work on SCTEX set Dec. 2-16

Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20081204142684.html)

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), builder of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), has scheduled a two-week road improvement work on a 400-meter west-bound portion of the tollway at the approach of the Dinalupihan (Bataan) viaduct in anticipation of the expected heavy traffic during the holidays.

The upgrading job will be undertaken on Dec. 2 to 16, BCDA announced.

While the work is going on, a 2.3-kilometer stretch of the west-bound portion of the tollway is temporarily closed to traffic.

To ease the expected slow traffic, a one-lane counter-flow on the same distance is being implemented at the east-bound portion.

The SCTEX service provider for operations and maintenance, a joint venture of First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPHC), Egis Road Operation, and Tollways Management Corporation (TMC), has installed informative signages, traffic cones, flashing arrows, and tower lights to guide motorists for a safe and speedy passage through the jobsite.

Traffic enforcers and other field crews in the area have been beefed up to ensure the smooth flow of vehicle traffic and keep public inconvenience at the barest minimum.

Winston S. Cruz, acting SCTEX spokesperson and program manager of the SCTEX operational support services, said that BCDA strictly adheres to its continuing road-improvement program not only to prolong the roadway’s life span but also to ensure optimum public safety and comfort.

"This is in keeping with our corporate policy of pursuing a proactive approach to all major undertakings," Cruz said. (Jun Velasco)

greenshields

December 4th, 2008, 07:03 AM

Accidents are not normal in the Philippines thankfully. In my metro area of only 500,000, there's at least two every rush hour.

There are quite a lot of accidents in the Philippines. The lingering problem of under-reporting makes it appear that accident rates are lower. In denial lang yung mga agencies na involved about what they should be doing to address this misinformation. In fact, the health sector's data is not included in most statistics about accidents. This may be partly due to the fact that we haven't quite adopted international practices on the reckoning of fatalities from the time of accidents and there are weak linkages/coordination among responsible agencies.

Goku_25

December 10th, 2008, 01:49 PM

T4s1RYEf4Sw

chuck23

December 13th, 2008, 10:10 AM

^^ This expressway is really nice...san kaya nila kinuha ang pondo para d2...i think sa mga IRA ng ibang cities.....:)
__________________-

ericlucky290

December 13th, 2008, 01:07 PM

Hindi hiniram lang natin yung pondo. I don't think other cities/towns would like to share their IRA for a national project.

kratos1211

December 13th, 2008, 02:36 PM

BCDA opens new road to Clark Dec. 23
By Tonette Orejas
source (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20081213-177772/BCDA-opens-new-road-to-Clark-Dec-23)

CLARK FREEPORT – The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will start providing access to this freeport, the tourism establishments here and the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) when the Bases Conversion Development Authority opens the Panday Pira Road on Dec. 23, BCDA officials said.

Edgardo Lena, BCDA-SCTEx project engineering chief, announced the opening date in Monday’s yearend briefing to the press here.

Construction work on the 3.8-km, two-lane road began on April 23 and was 66.1 percent completed as of last week, Lena said in his presentation.

Connected to the Clark North B interchange in Mabalacat, Pampanga, the Panday Pira Road leads straight to Clark on the left and Sacobia in Bamban town to the right.

The three interchanges in Pampanga are 22 to 33 percent finished.

The Clark South cloverleaf interchange leads to the DMIA, Angeles City, Tarlac and the Subic Bay Freeport. It is due to be finished on Feb. 14, 2009, Lena said.

The Floridablanca and Porac interchanges, both began on March 17, will be opened to motorists on June 9, 2009.

The Panday Pira Road costs P167 million and the three interchanges, P1.1 billion, according to Lena. The funding was obtained from the P7-billion supplemental loan obtained by the BCDA from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

The 94-km SCTEx was built by the BCDA at a cost of P27 billion.

chuck23

December 14th, 2008, 04:42 AM

Hindi hiniram lang natin yung pondo. I don't think other cities/towns would like to share their IRA for a national project.

^^ Ok. debt nanaman cguru ito 20 years to pay....:cheers:
______________

absinthe_888

December 16th, 2008, 03:43 AM

Dumaan kami dito sa SCTEx going to Bagiuo kahapon, malaking tulong nadin yung at least sa Tarlac City kana exit, madaming bayan nadin nalagpasan. One thing I noticed is yung mga road markings faded na sa ibang part, at busted streetlights sa mga exits to consider na this expressway only opened...

At isa pa, magaganda mga toll booth tellers hehehe

chuck23

December 16th, 2008, 07:32 AM

At isa pa, magaganda mga toll booth tellers hehehe

^^ Hmmm.....

[dx]

December 19th, 2008, 06:55 AM

Angara bares extension of SCTEx to Aurora (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Angara_bares_extension_of_SCTEx_to_Aurora.shtml)

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- Senator Edgardo Angara bared here recently that the 94-kilometer Subic Clark Tarlac Expressay (SCTex) will soon be extended up to Baler in Aurora. Angara arrived here when he led officials of the province of Aurora in formally opening its satellite office inside the Clark Freeport last Monday.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President Benigno N. Ricafort said the satellite office will serve as logistics for the promotion of tourism, agricultural and other export products coming from Aurora province. Earlier, CDC and Aurora authorities signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the establishment of satellite office inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

Angara witnessed the signing of the MOA between Ricafort and Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, who signed in behalf of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo during a simple ceremony held at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City. The senator said the MOA signing “is timely because it will complement soon the declaration of the special economic zone in the province.”

He said the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will soon be extended up to Baler in Aurora which will make the province some two hours away from Clark. Aurora province, located at the northeastern of Central Luzon, is more than three hours away from Clark.

The establishment of a satellite office for the province of Aurora is likewise necessary for future economic, trade and other forms of cooperation that will help in the growth of tourism in Clark. “If Clark boasts of a 10,800-hectare ‘Next Frontier,’ Aurora is also seen as the ‘next frontier’ in Central Luzon,” Angara said during the MOA signing. He said infrastructure to Aurora is also being readied by government leaders because of the heightened economic and tourism activities in the province.

The satellite office is located at the building 2083, which is one of Clark’s barn houses along Cardinal Santos Avenue. The barn houses are identified and approved by CDC for lease to government offices particularly the Local Government of Mabalacat, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) which are deemed vital to the development thrust of the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone. (PNA)

hirolionheart

December 19th, 2008, 07:47 AM

^^
Ayos!:applause::banana::applause:

So ano na kayang itatawag sa SCTex kapag na-extend na ito hanggang Baler, Aurora?

diz

December 19th, 2008, 07:51 AM

SCTAex

would be better though to call it SAex.

or Central Luzon Expressway. CLex

hirolionheart

December 19th, 2008, 07:54 AM

SCTAex

would be better though to call it SAex.

Yup, medyo masagwa pakinggan yung SCTAex, hehehe:lol:

wheel of steel

December 19th, 2008, 09:16 AM

;29599182']Angara bares extension of SCTEx to Aurora (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/Angara_bares_extension_of_SCTEx_to_Aurora.shtml)

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Dec. 19 (PNA) -- Senator Edgardo Angara bared here recently that the 94-kilometer Subic Clark Tarlac Expressay (SCTex) will soon be extended up to Baler in Aurora. Angara arrived here when he led officials of the province of Aurora in formally opening its satellite office inside the Clark Freeport last Monday.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President Benigno N. Ricafort said the satellite office will serve as logistics for the promotion of tourism, agricultural and other export products coming from Aurora province. Earlier, CDC and Aurora authorities signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the establishment of satellite office inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

Angara witnessed the signing of the MOA between Ricafort and Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, who signed in behalf of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo during a simple ceremony held at the Dusit Hotel in Makati City. The senator said the MOA signing “is timely because it will complement soon the declaration of the special economic zone in the province.”

He said the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) will soon be extended up to Baler in Aurora which will make the province some two hours away from Clark. Aurora province, located at the northeastern of Central Luzon, is more than three hours away from Clark.

The establishment of a satellite office for the province of Aurora is likewise necessary for future economic, trade and other forms of cooperation that will help in the growth of tourism in Clark. “If Clark boasts of a 10,800-hectare ‘Next Frontier,’ Aurora is also seen as the ‘next frontier’ in Central Luzon,” Angara said during the MOA signing. He said infrastructure to Aurora is also being readied by government leaders because of the heightened economic and tourism activities in the province.

The satellite office is located at the building 2083, which is one of Clark’s barn houses along Cardinal Santos Avenue. The barn houses are identified and approved by CDC for lease to government offices particularly the Local Government of Mabalacat, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) which are deemed vital to the development thrust of the Clark Freeport Zone and Clark Special Economic Zone. (PNA)

DAPAT!

pau_p1

December 19th, 2008, 02:12 PM

wow this is great development... nice... anyways.. there are earlier plans to extend this to la union right?..

in_a_rush

December 19th, 2008, 03:01 PM

yeah.. maganda plans nila for Aurora eh. may gagawin silang napakalaking tourism estate dito.

barrera_marquez

December 20th, 2008, 10:31 AM

^^

Magkakaroon na ng expressway na dumadaan sa buong kahabaan ng Central Luzon. We better call this Central Luzon Radial Expressway...

barrera_marquez

December 20th, 2008, 10:32 AM

Yup, medyo masagwa pakinggan yung SCTAex, hehehe:lol:

Don't forget Nueva Ecija... SCTNEAEx...

hirolionheart

December 20th, 2008, 10:54 AM

Don't forget Nueva Ecija... SCTNEAEx...

Oh, oo nga pala, siyempre Nueva Ecija muna bago mag-Aurora mula Tarlac:colgate:

Ayan, mas ok yung SCTNEAex kaso ang haba na, I don't know how to say this, hehehe:)

greenshields

December 20th, 2008, 04:38 PM

I look forward to the traffic projections. SCTEX projections were way out of the current traffic and made the toll revenue too optimistic if not unrealistic. Paano kaya popondohan ang extension? Another loan from the Japanese government?

igi_master

December 21st, 2008, 03:06 AM

Oh, oo nga pala, siyempre Nueva Ecija muna bago mag-Aurora mula Tarlac:colgate:

Ayan, mas ok yung SCTNEAex kaso ang haba na, I don't know how to say this, hehehe:)

Ok n ung CLEX, Central luzon expressway. Halos lahat ng probinsya s central luzon dadaanan. Except lng bulacan

hirolionheart

December 21st, 2008, 09:55 AM

Ok n ung CLEX, Central luzon expressway. Halos lahat ng probinsya s central luzon dadaanan. Except lng bulacan

Central Luzon Expressway (CLEX), that's a more appropriate name for it:okay:
Ok lang na wala ang Bulacan dahil meron naman silang NLEX at ang proposed NLEE (North Luzon East Expressway):)

barrera_marquez

December 21st, 2008, 02:32 PM

Central Luzon Expressway (CLEX), that's a more appropriate name for it:okay:
Ok lang na wala ang Bulacan dahil meron naman silang NLEX at ang proposed NLEE (North Luzon East Expressway):)

CLEx will be materialized first before NLEE until the issue regarding the Caraballo Mountains drilling can be finalized. Anyway kung gusto nila na umabot ng Tuguegarao City ang isang expressway, ito ang payo ko... either hit it from Baler at padaanin sa Isabela o iikot ang TPLUEx at idaan sa Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte hanggang makarating ng Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

As for Bulacan, mayroon na siyang North Luzon Expressway at this moment...

hirolionheart

December 21st, 2008, 02:40 PM

CLEx will be materialized first before NLEE until the issue regarding the Caraballo Mountains drilling can be finalized. Anyway kung gusto nila na umabot ng Tuguegarao City ang isang expressway, ito ang payo ko... either hit it from Baler at padaanin sa Isabela o iikot ang TPLUEx at idaan sa Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte hanggang makarating ng Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

As for Bulacan, mayroon na siyang North Luzon Expressway at this moment...

Mas malayo yung ikot dun sa Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLUex) papuntang Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, dun ako sa ruta from Baler, Aurora at dadaan ng Isabela:okay::colgate:

angelneo

December 22nd, 2008, 12:21 AM

Clark north interchange opens December 23
Updated December 22, 2008 12:00 AM

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority, builder and operator of the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), announced the completion of the 3.8-kilometer Panday Pira Road and the Clark North Interchange.

The BCDA said both facilities would strengthen further the SCTEX’s role as a key player in the development of Central Luzon into a premier investors’ haven in the Asia Pacific rim.

In a press briefing at the Clark Freeport Zone, BCDA executive vice-president Isaac Puno III described the state-run corporation as the people’s “long-term partner as we seek to achieve development goals where Central Luzon would be the most progressive, most dynamic and strongest economy in the Philippines.”

“I wish to thank you all for keeping faith with us that this huge project can be completed in the midst of skepticism of a few,” Puno told the reporters.

“We also want to share with you a vision of Central Luzon where one roadway passes through it like a beneficent development force where life, commerce and all things connected with life accelerate growth and prosperity,” Puno added.

During the same forum, SCTEX spokesman and program manager for operational support and services Robert Gervacio said the Panday Pira road and the Clark North Interchange serve as the northern access to Clark from the SCTEX.

SCTEX program manager for engineering and construction Eduardo Lena said the Panday Pira access road located inside Clark which connects to the already completed Clark North Interchange, is substantially complete and is set to open to vehicular traffic in time for the opening of the Clark North Interchange on Dec. 23, starting at 6 a.m.

Lena also revealed that the Clark South Interchange, which is near the Yokohama manufacturing facility in Clark, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of next year. Two more interchanges – one in Porac and another in Floridablanca, both in Pampanga – are under construction and are expected to be finished in June 2009.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=425887&publicationSubCategoryId=66

sushi___

December 27th, 2008, 01:11 AM

going home to baguio nag Bus ako Victory deluxe dumaan ng SCTeX , madaling araw... madilim, parang puro talahib sa gilid hahaha... pero the travel was smooth , nakita ko din yung Clark interchange, maganda parang sa Japan... SCTeX is really nice... sana mas dumami nang provincial bus ang dumaan dito... i mean with a little more cost sa fare, its worth it...

barrera_marquez

December 27th, 2008, 05:58 AM

nayki

December 27th, 2008, 06:01 AM

^^ Lam ko mga asa 750 ata from manila to baguio...

barrera_marquez

December 27th, 2008, 08:07 AM

^^ Lam ko mga asa 750 ata from manila to baguio...

Thanks po... ibig sabihin mga P 100 ang idinagdag ninyo kasi alam ko po more or less P650 ang pamasahe roon.

nayki

December 27th, 2008, 09:46 AM

lam ko kasi pag regular aircondition na victory liner from manila to baguio Php 425. Tapos iyong Express 650 while iyong De Luxe 750. Iyong express at deluxe parehong dumadaan ng SCTEX. :)

greenshields

December 27th, 2008, 02:51 PM

Much of their income though comes from private cars rather than the buses and trucks so I guess there's still a need to market the SCTEX to Class 1 vehicle drivers.

ericlucky290

December 28th, 2008, 10:35 AM

Mataas naman pala traffic sa SCTEx^^

Tourists flock to Baguio, Subic, Clark (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20081227-180243/Tourists-flock-to-Baguio-Subic-Clark)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:51:00 12/27/2008

MANILA, Philippines—Tourists have rushed northwards to spend the long holidays in known tourist areas like Subic, Clark and Baguio City.

There was 10-percent increase in traffic volume at the North Luzon Expressway, the 84-km road connecting Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

“On Dec. 26, the Dau toll plaza volume increased 60 percent of normal volume because more are going to Baguio,” Betty Jose, corporate communications head of the Tollways Management Corp., said on Saturday.

For the other roads that TMC operates—the Subic Freeport Expressway and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx)—traffic volume surged by an average of 10 percent daily since Dec. 23, she said.

Record breaker

Traffic volume on SCTEx broke records since the tollway was opened in April, said Robert Gervacio, spokesperson of the project’s builder, Bases Conversion and Development Authority.

[B]SCTEx motorists totaled 17,961 on Dec. 24, with collections from the P2 per km toll increasing to P1.237 million, he said.

The number of motorists and amount of collections revved up on Dec. 25 and 26 at 18,140 for P1.24 million and 25,528 for P1.86 million, respectively.

“We posted the highest traffic on [Dec. 26, Friday],” Gervacio said.

TMC, he added, had to resort to counter flows (making an entry lane as exit lane) on the Clark Logistics section in the afternoon and on the Tarlac segment in the morning due to heavy traffic.

Gervacio said the highest contributors were the Clark Logistics, Tarlac and Tipo, indicating that the prime destinations were Clark, Subic and the northern areas.

“We are expecting another possible build up on Sunday and Tuesday. Tellers and patrols are on extended duty for immediate deployment should there be surges,” Gervacio said.

Hotels at the Subic Bay Freeport are 100-percent booked, according to Yvette Ocampo, business development consultant of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

“Subic is extremely well attended. It’s very near Metro Manila. Everything is in one place and people want to be entertained during hard times,” Ocampo told the INQUIRER in a telephone interview.

Clark Freeport drew in local and international tourists for the holidays from Dec. 23 to 26, according to Noemi Garcia, tourism department head of the state-owned Clark Development Corp.

Two hotels reported at least a 20-percent increase from last years’s figures.

More than 6,000 people filled the Nayong Pilipino sa Clark Expo on Saturday. The park’s managers expected the number of visitors to double when the giant lanterns of the City of San Fernando “perform” there on Saturday and Sunday nights.

In Baguio City, the volume of visitors who trooped to the summer capital packed shopping malls and stalled traffic in the downtown area.

Many tourists also chose to spend the holidays by pitching tents and spreading mats around Burnham Park.

The city tourism office estimates the visitors to have reached 150,000.

Tourists have booked all rooms at Camp John Hay Manor and Baguio Country Club as early as October, but smaller hotels and inns received walk-in clients only this week, the Inquirer learned.

Many visitors decided to camp out at Burnham Park instead, said Herminia Pumeg-as, a park gardener and utility worker who has been working at the park for 20 years now.

Benedicto Alhambra, city tourism officer, said he expected to end the month with 300,000 tourists because December is normally the month when the city enjoys its peak tourist season.

Reports from Tonette Orejas, Inquirer Central Luzon, and Vincent Cabreza and Desiree Caluza, Inquirer Northern Luzon

OtAkAw

December 28th, 2008, 10:52 AM

^^6 of my friends and their families are in Baguio right now. One informed me na SUPER daming tao.

le Reine

December 28th, 2008, 10:59 AM

^^I was supposed to be in Baguio today with my friends but they said that it was really crowded so we canceled it. I could not imagine the congestion there right now. It was already congested when we went there several months ago and it wasn't the peak season yet.

absinthe_888

December 29th, 2008, 04:09 AM

nayki

December 29th, 2008, 06:09 AM

^^ Bukod sa iwas traffic naka tipid ka din ba sa fuel noong nag SCTEX ka to tarlac?

habagatcentral1

December 29th, 2008, 06:19 AM

Asa Baguio ako last December 14-15 for our Innovation Forum, sangkaterba na talaga ang dami ng tao...

anyway, here are some pics of the SCTEx i took form that trip

Entry from NLEX
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8639/dsc07415tm6.jpg

Wala mashadong sasakyan
http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/6342/dsc07419jq0.jpg

Lahar fields
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/1400/dsc07420ag4.jpg

SCTEx Toll Card Front
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/1006/dsc07416ng9.jpg

Back Side
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/7583/dsc07417fj3.jpg

Tarlac City Exit
http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/113/dsc07421oi6.jpg

Toll Rates. From NLEX to Tarlac, 69 for class 1 vehicles. Not bad, iwas trapik ka na...
http://img75.imageshack.us/img75/3766/dsc07422bp0.jpg

Cool! :okay: Let me add some pictures here..

One thing about SCTEX...it was awesome! :okay: Yesterday, I drove from Tarlac City all the way to Dinalupihan Exit in Bataan in less than an hour! The scenes at Porac and Floridablanca areas were breathtaking...at the same time a thrilling experience as you speed up with gravity and curves challenging a driver.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to take this section since I was the one who was driving and it was twilight.

But anyway, here are some photos between Clark Logistics exit (NLEX-SCTEX connection) to Tarlac Exit:

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/14/Ilocandia15.jpg?et=lNmoDmu%2CPA4SIts2VUV7hg&nmid=155529095

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/16/Ilocandia17.jpg?et=5kQ4%2C7195xvlULEr65zW6A&nmid=155529095

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/18/Ilocandia19.jpg?et=QKh9X0r%2BW3NyGwzRxJ%2CY2w&nmid=155529095

Central Azucarera de Hacienda Luisita
http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/19/Ilocandia20.jpg?et=bprG19M5LSjWMa8wLXGiOw&nmid=155529095

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/23/Ilocandia24.jpg?et=X455Y%2CwTlUIwef9jRtWIPg&nmid=155529095

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/1/photos/304/600x600/24/Ilocandia25.jpg?et=22Kt%2CEppHYtaHZEcAgt1cQ&nmid=155529095