SMC nears OPS grant for TPLEx expansion

San Miguel Holdings Corp.’s unsolicited proposal to extend the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) to San Juan, La Union nears securing an original proponent status (OPS), according to a ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Public Works director for PublicPrivate Partnership Alex Bote said the issuance of an OPS to the TPLEx Extension is next on the agency’s list, which may happen not later than next month.

“For unsolicited proposals, we have already issued OPS to the Cavite Tagaytay Batangas Expressway (CTBEx). Up next probably is the TPLEx Extension,” Bote said.

DPWH granted last month the OPS to the 50.42-kilometer CTBEx project of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.

“So for TPLEx we are nearing the issuance of the OPS. Maximum probably is next month,” Bote said.

The TPLEx extension is a P23.95 billion unsolicited proposal submitted by SMHC on Feb. 14 which aims to promote the development of Northern Luzon as well as facilitate connectivity to Central Luzon and Metro Manila through high speed mobility and secured access.

The project involves a 59.4-kilometer four-lane toll road which will start from the last exit of the TPLEX in Rosario, La Union and will terminate at San Juan, La Union.

It is divided into three segments, the first of which is from Rosario to Tubao, then Tubao to Naguilian, and Naguilian to San Juan.

The grant of OPS to SMHC for the TPLEX extension would give it the right to match offers from other parties when a Swiss challenge is conducted for the project.

TPLEX is an 89.31-km expressway from Tarlac City, Tarlac to Rosario, La Union, divided into three phases.

SMC has also submitted an unsolicited proposal to extend the TPLEX by another 100 km to reach the Ilocos province.

The proposal is also still undergoing review according to the DPWH.