Wanting very much to scale up their economic activities in the province, Quezonins are excited that the government and the private sector are working hand in hand, every day, to finish the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 4 (TR4).
At present, this is the most important transport project in the Southern Tagalog region, specifically Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon.
This project will extend the existing SLEX from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon, a full 66.74-kilometer stretch.
Travel between these two points today can be completed in approximately four hours. With the expected completion of this expressway segment in early 2027, such driving time will be pruned to just one hour. This is a big bonanza for businessmen, residents, officials and students from Lucena who regularly commute to Metro Manila.
Lest she be accused once again of failing to follow up national government road projects (this is unfair to her because she has never been remiss in doing her responsibilities, in the past when she was a representative and now that she is governor), Dr. Helen Tan makes it a point to meet with the concerned officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and San Miguel SLEX Corp. (SMC) who are both in the thick of constructing the toll road.
Since the TR4 will pass areas in the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, and the cities of Tayabas and Lucena, Governor Helen Tan has been in touch with the mayors, councilors and barangay officials of these places to help in solving whatever problems may be encountered along the way.
These problems are mainly about road right of way issues, and so last February 10, the governor again conducted a follow-up meeting at the Kapitolyo with the proponents to assess the progress of the works.
It was reported that the Tiaong Interchange was nearly fully completed. While right-of-way acquisition remains an ongoing challenge, this has been secured for the initial three segments.
This corner notes that this expressway extension is divided into six segments and will feature seven main interchanges.
These are in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, a connection point to the existing SLEX. Makban in Laguna, near the boundary of Bay and Calauan towns. San Pablo City in Laguna, providing access to major commercial districts in the city. Tiaong in Quezon, one of the most advanced sections in construction. Candelaria, Quezon, an immediate exit to Quezon province. Tayabas City, near the capital region of the province, and Mayao, Lucena City, the terminal point and connection to the future SLEX Toll Road 5.
We note, too, that the project was initially designed with two lanes per direction, but is now 3 lanes per direction, with provisions for another one to make it 4 lanes.
The SMC said this toll road, like other expressways that it operates, will use the Autosweep RFID system.
Motorists and commuters to Quezon and the Bicol region will definitely be benefited by the SLEX Toll Road 4, enhancing land travel and ramping up business activities in both Region 4-A and Region 5, and even beyond, reaching the Visayas and Mindanao.
This is the kind of project that President Bongbong Marcos should prioritize in his remaining years in the Palace.