Huge 59.4-kilometer TPLEX Extension Project awarded to San Miguel Holdings
After about one year since the NEDA gave the “okay”, the contract for the TPLEX Extension Project has finally been announced as being awarded to San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC), a subsidiary of mother company San Miguel Corporation (SMC). With that, SMHC will handle all aspects of the Project from its design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance.
Extension Project will add close to 60 kilometers to TPLEX
Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways
The major announcement was made by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) just last week. On its official social media page, the DPWH stated “…is pleased to announce the approval of the resolution by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Prequalification, Bids, and Awards Committee (PBAC) recommending the award of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension Project to San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) – the Original Proponent and Winning Private Proponent.”
Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways
The DPWH further exclaims “This significant milestone marks the next phase in the development of the TPLEX Extension Project, a key infrastructure initiative under the Build Better More Program aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth.”
As it stands, TPLEX, or the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway already spans a stretch of approximately 89.23 kilometers. Starting at Tarlac City, it currently ends at Rosario, La Union. And this is where the Extension Project will pick up.
Photo: Department of Public Works and Highways
From Rosario Interchange, three (3) segments stretching a total of 59.4 kilometers will be constructed and they will be from Rosario to Tubao, Tubao to Naguilian, and Naguilian to San Juan. This will equate to travel time between Rosario and San Juan being reduced to just 40 minutes from the current 1.5 hours. The 4-lane extension is projected to cost PHP 23.36B and is expected to be completed in five (5) years from the contract signing.
With its aim to “promote the development of Northern Luzon” and “facilitate connectivity to Central Luzon and Metro Manila through high speed mobility and secured access”, the TPLEX and its upcoming extension may very well be able to do just that. Not to jump the gun – since 5 years is still a long way ahead – but we think this warrants a nice, loud “SURF’S UP!” from all of us, especially those who frequent San Juan, La Union.
