THE  state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will open the newly constructed Subic-Clark segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) for free to light vehicles from Tuesday to Monday next week.

On Tuesday, the Subic-Clark segment will be open from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., after the soft-opening ceremonies to be graced by President Arroyo.

From Wednesday to Monday next week, the Subic-Clark segment will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Narciso Abaya, BCDA president and chief executive officer, said the dry run of the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark segment will augur well for motorists bound for Bataan and Olongapo, especially Subic, which is a major tourist destination during the Lenten season.

The free Holy Week dry run dubbed “Handog ni Pangulong Gloria: Libreng Biyahe sa SCTEx” is an initiative of the Office of the President, the BCDA and other agencies.

Only light vehicles, chartered buses and motorcycles with an engine displacement of 400cc or higher will be allowed to enter the expressway during the free Holy Week trial run.

Motorists coming from the North  Luzon Expressway (Nlex) bound for Subic are advised to take the Spur-NLE interchange located between the  Dau  and Santa Inez exits of the Nlex  and proceed to the SCTEx Clark Logistics Toll Plaza; and after crossing the bridge, follow the loop of the ramp toward Subic. Motorists are advised to follow the appropriate road directional signage.

Likewise, motorists at the SCTEx bound for Bataan may exit at the Dinalupihan Interchange via the Roman highway.

On the other hand, motorists from Subic and Bataan bound for Manila are advised to enter the SCTEx through the Tipo Toll Plaza, or the Dinalupihan Toll Plaza, respectively, and follow the road signage toward  the Clark Logistics Toll Plaza. Upon reaching the Clark Logistics interchange, take the first ramp to the right that will lead to the toll plaza, then the Spur-NLE interchange connecting to the Nlex.

Travel time from Clark to Subic will be reduced to a mere 40 minutes. From Nlex in Balintawak to Subic, travel time will only be one hour and 30 minutes.

The SCTex is a flagship project of the President and is among the megaprojects intended to transform Central and Northern Luzon into a super region.       

It is expected to serve as the new economic backbone for Central Luzon and the adjoining regions and is expected to create wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.

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THE  state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will open the newly constructed Subic-Clark segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) for free to light vehicles from Tuesday to Monday next week.

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