THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said that it will be building an interchange that will connect Hermosa, Bataan to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
A joint collaboration between the BCDA, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), NLEX Corp., and the government of Hermosa, the project has a proposed budget of P495.347 million, including right of way.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said that the interchange “will unlock a new gateway to economic opportunities for Central Luzon.”
SCTEX traverses the outskirts of Hermosa but remains unconnected to the toll road.
“(It will provide) much-needed support for the region’s growing logistics and manufacturing sectors and generate more jobs,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“In support of the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, the enhancement of SCTEX will drive industrial growth and strengthen the region’s role as a key engine of national progress,” he added.
The road interchange is expected to link Bataan’s economic zones and industrial estates to other growth corridors in Central Luzon, including the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
“It will also improve access to the BCDA-administered Bataan Technology Park in Morong, the future home of the Philippine Marine Corps,” the BCDA said.
The interchange forms part of the SCTEX Expansion and Enhancement Plan, which is being implemented by the DPWH, BCDA, NLEX Corp., and local government units.
“The project will also contribute to the government’s efforts to support connectivity along the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will help position the region as a strategic manufacturing and electronics hub,” the BCDA added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
