After seven years of delay, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) San Pedro Northbound Interchange project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finally opened to the public today, August 1.
Present during the inauguration were DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, and several officials from the local government of Laguna.
The delay in the project’s completion is believed to have been caused by numerous right-of-way issues and a lack of coordination among the involved agencies.
According to a report by Jecelle Ricafort, motorists using the previous route would experience an additional 45 minutes of travel time. However, DOTr Secretary Dizon assured the public that the new interchange is expected to improve travel time for motorists traveling to Manila from San Pedro, Biñan, and Santa Rosa.
"Ang problema dito ng malaki, para makalabas ka ng northbound papuntang SLEX, iikot ka pa. Can you imagine dagdag na 45 minutes. Ngayon bawas na 45 mins na. Ang laking ginhawa," he said.
DPWH Secretary Bonoan expressed his delight at the project's completion, recalling that he was still the President of Tollways Corporation when it began. He also stated that this interchange is the most modern one built by the private partner, San Miguel Corporation.
“Marami na pong nagsasabi, kung ano ang maidudulot ng interchange na ito. Napansin ko lang po dito, ako ay namangha I think this is one of the most modern interchange sa mga tollways ng San Miguel Corporation. Nagulat ako dahil ganito yung natapos na interchange dito,” Sec. Bonoan said.
When asked about the potential for flooding in the area, Bonoan indicated that it would not be a significant issue, as they had prepared drainage support during the construction of the interchange.
Meanwhile, a ceremonial ride was followed with the officials going in the SLEX Northbound Entry-Exit Interchange.
The SLEX San Pedro Northbound Interchange is a 2.3-kilometer project that started in 2018 under former Secretary Mark Villar, with a budget of Php 915,000,000.
