SMC secures deal for new Metro Manila expressway

SAN Miguel Corp. and the Department of Transportation on Tuesday signed an agreement for the construction of the Southern Access Link Expressway—a new elevated toll road connecting Quezon City and the southern part of Metro Manila.

The conglomerate said the signing of the supplemental toll operations agreement would pave the way for the start of construction of the four sections of SALEX.

The segments include the C3-R10 Extension, Shoreline Expressway, Quirino Extension and Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue) Extension. It said SALEX would reduce traffic congestion along EDSA, South Luzon Expressway and other major road corridors in Metro Manila through road networks that will service both cargo and passenger traffic.

It is also expected to contribute to the economic development of the National Capital Region and Central Luzon.

The new toll road will also provide an efficient and direct access to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan province and the support gateway to deliver its full economic potential, according to the company.

The project’s first section, the C3-R10 Extension will connect the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at Sgt. Rivera in Quezon City to the proposed Shoreline Expressway at R-10.

The Shoreline Expressway will start from Ayala Bridge, pass along Ayala Boulevard, San Marcelino St., Padre Faura St., A. Mabini St., Pedro Gil St. and Roxas Boulevard. The Quirino Extension will connect MMSS3 at the Quirino Interchange to the proposed Shoreline Expressway and at Roxas Boulevard through an elevated structure.