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BCDA to build additional entry and exit lanes in SCTEX
Author: Manila Bulletin
Posted: May 21, 2009 | Category: SCTEX
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)—builder and concessionaire of the 94-km Subic-Clark-Taralc Expressway (SCTEX) said it will build additional entry and exit lanes at the Mabalacat Interchange to address the growing traffic volume.
BCDA Spokesperson for the SCTEX Robert Gervacio said the BCDA has instructed Japanese engineering consulting firm Katahira and Engineers International (KEI) to prepare the conceptual and engineering design including the cost estimates for the widening of the Mabalacat and Tipo Interchanges.
Mr. Gervacio said from the original four exit lanes and three entry lanes in the Mabalacat Interchange, the plan is to add six exit lanes for a total of ten exit lanes. He said this will be done by converting the two of the three entry lanes into exit lanes and building four additional exit lanes.
He added that the remaining entry lane in the Mabalacat Interchange will be used as a pass through lane as five new entry lanes will be constructed after the Balem Bridge which is some eight hundred meters before entering the existing Mabalacat Toll Plaza.
He also said two additional exit lanes will be constructed at the Tipo Interchange.
Mr. Gervacio noted that construction of the entry and exit lanes are tentatively set to commence by the middle of the year and is expected to be completed after one year.
“With these measures, we hope to address growing traffic volume in general and the sudden surge of vehicles at peak hours during holidays in particular,” Mr. Gervacio said.
Mr. Gervacio noted that funding of the construction of the entry and exit lanes will be tapped from the savings and unspent amount of the SCTEX loan proceeds.
It has been observed that traffic volume in the SCTEX swells by more than 100 percent on special occasions, or from an average of 16,000 vehicles on ordinary days to over 30,000 during holidays resulting in long queues.
