Upgrades to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) are on track for completion by the end of this year. The expansion of the expressway’s 36.1-kilometer main carriageway to six lanes in each direction, alongside enhancements to the cashless toll collection system, will introduce barrier-less toll plazas.
These upgrades are part of SMC SLEX Inc.’s ongoing efforts to future-proof the tollway, which serves as a vital corridor for Region 4A—home to approximately one-fifth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
In addition to the carriageway expansion, SMC SLEX is also widening 20 bridges along the SLEX route to mitigate traffic bottlenecks and reduce vehicle buildup and slowdowns. This bridge expansion aligns with the new six-by-six lane configuration to accommodate the increasing traffic demands in high-growth provinces such as Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon.
“SMC SLEX Inc. recognizes the critical role of SLEX in supporting the economic growth of the Calabarzon Region, which contributes roughly 20% of the nation’s GDP,” stated a company representative. “Upon completion of these upgrades, we expect to enhance travel quality for motorists and facilitate the faster movement of goods and services.”
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in service improvements, a priority it has maintained throughout the last decade.
In 2022, SMC SLEX launched the Seamless Southern Tollways project, which reduced the number of stops for motorists traveling along the Skyway System, SLEX, and Star Tollway. This initiative led to the decommissioning of the Calamba Main Toll Plaza and the SLEX Greenfield Toll Plaza, both of which previously served as terminus points. These toll plazas are now designated as pass-through lanes and are scheduled for demolition as part of the widening project.
To further streamline operations, SMC SLEX has equipped entry toll plazas with automatic license plate readers (ALPR). This technology reduces the reliance on barriers and aligns with government directives for contactless toll collection and barrier-less operations on expressways. By using RFID tags and ALPR cameras, the system can accurately cross-reference vehicle entries and exits for efficient toll charging. Furthermore, the company is upgrading its servers to better accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles utilizing the facility.
To know more about SLEX and its updates, visit https://smcslex.com.ph/
