by Christopher Hedreyda/ Maine Odong
SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna — After years of planning, development, and construction, motorists can now use the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) San Pedro Northbound Exit Interchange starting this Friday, August 1, after the successful inauguration ceremony of the toll road.
The development of the interchange was initiated to address the persistent clamor of San Pedro residents for a northbound exit, given that a southbound exit exists in the expressway.
San Pedro City serves as a strategic entry point to Metro Manila from the southern provinces, and there is a long-term need for decongest local traffic, local officials said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) spearheaded the construction in line with its standards and specifications, and with the goal of enhancing road network connectivity and regional mobility, particularly within CALABARZON.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), with SLEX operator San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Tollways, will oversee the day-to-day operations of the interchange.
DPWH and DOTr estimate that the SLEX San Pedro northbound exit can accommodate 5,000-10,000 vehicles everyday, and can lessen around 45 minutes of travel time of San Pedrenses bound for Metro Manila with their own expressway interchange.
The new expressway interchange supports the vision and mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring comfort to the commute and travel of Filipinos.
