SCTEx, the time and fuel saver

By Aida Sevilla Mendoza
Inquirer

AS a motorist, I am glad that the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) project did not get embroiled in controversy the way the National Broadband Network deal did. I am sure that starting next February, this feeling will be shared by thousands of other motorists and commuters traveling north of Metro Manila because the Clark-Tarlac segment of SCTEx will lop off one hour from their traveling time.

Together with three other directors of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), the nonprofit, nonstock auto club that provides 24/7 roadside assistance at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), I checked out the Clark-Tarlac portion of the P27.5-billion SCTEx last Wednesday.

Driving an old Mitsubishi L300 double cab pickup truck with zebra stripe markings, Deo Manuel of the Tollways Management Corp. led the way with AAP veep Johnny Angeles and treasurer Jogy Mantaring Jr. as his passengers. I drove a 2007 compact SUV with AAP director Angel Kanapi in the front seat. (I won’t mention the brand of the SUV I drove, since its aircon conked out on the way back to Manila after a stopover at the Caltex station near San Fernando. Let me just say that it’s not a Japanese, Korean or European marque.)

Package 2

After a briefing at the Clark office of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) given by SCTEx project development officer Darwin Chan, we were on our way. We were informed that Package 2 of the SCTEx, the 43.27-kilometer Clark-Tarlac stretch, will be opened to the public on Feb. 1, 2008 although it will be finished this December. Package 1, the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark expressway, will open in March.

A BCDA project, the SCTEx is one of the three main components of the government’s Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Program, the two others being the Subic Bay Container Terminal and the rehab/modernization of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.

The SCTEx will provide the shortest, direct and efficient link among 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 project is financed with a loan of 41,931 million yen, 85 percent of which is a special JBIC loan and the 15 percent balance of P2.804 million is the BCDA’s counterpart. With an interest rate of 0.95 percent per annum, the loan is repayable in 40 years after a 10-year grace period. There is a Japanese content requirement of 50 percent.

Design speed

Completing the SCTEx project involves the construction of a 93.77-kilometer, four-lane, asphalt concrete paved divided highway, four major bridges, 31 minor bridges, eight interchanges, 255 culverts and 51 underpasses. The SCTEx has a design speed of 100 kph, a computerized toll collection system and 24-hour roadside assistance to be provided by the O & M (Operations and Maintenance) company aside from a comprehensive flood mitigation system.

Driving on Package 2 of the SCTEx, we crossed six interchanges (Clark logistics interchange, Clark North, Concepcion, San Miguel, La Paz and Tarlac City), one main bridge (the 1.16-km Sacobia-Bamban bridge) and eight minor bridges. The contract price for the Clark-Tarlac section is P9.097 billion.

Since SCTEx Package 2 is a mostly straight expressway with no curves or bends and since the surface is super smooth consisting of a cement-based solidifying material, treated lahar subbase and base course, after a while I had to make an effort to stay awake and alert at the wheel. Maybe it’s because of the 100 kph speed limit. The 43.27-kilometer stretch is still clean and uncluttered by lamp posts, trees or gasoline stations where one can stop to load fuel or get a bite to eat. It reminded me of the time I drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles in a rented Chrysler Town & Country minivan, when I had to keep chatting with my friend in the front seat and my two daughters in the back to ward off drowsiness.

World-class

While the SCTEx is a world-class tollway, officials of the Clark Development Corp. recently noted that unlike the NLEX, it has no emergency bays where disabled vehicles can be repaired without affecting traffic flow. The BCDA has assured them that there will be a two-meter shoulder clearance and two seven-hectare motorpool areas along the Clark-Tarlac span. Space for gasoline stations, convenience stores and eateries will be leased out, presumably.

Via SCTEx, motorists going to Tarlac will save at least one hour travel time and the corresponding fuel consumption since they will skip the traffic-congested Mabalacat-Hacienda Luisita-Capas stretch and will exit past the Metro Mall in Tarlac City. More good news, especially for Baguio habitues: the Department of Public Works and Highways may extend SCTEx from Tarlac to Rosario, La Union at the foot of Kennon Road. SCTEx Package 3, here we come!

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

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