Truckers affirm SFEX helps businesses in Subic Freeport Zone

The recently expanded  Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) was further developed to boost efficient transport of goods—and this was affirmed by transport and logistics companies.

In a statement, NLEX Corporation claimed the new expressway project was completed in the midst of the pandemic to help businesses enhance activities and facilitate the faster flow of goods and services going in and out of the Subic Freeport Zone.

“Roads are considered the arteries of our economy, and improving the flow of traffic means faster delivery of goods and services. This is what the SFEX made happen with its expansion — the travel time of our trucks to and from Subic Port is now 50 percent faster. Our operations became more efficient. And most importantly, it increased the level of safety in driving,” JA Global Logistics Solutions Inc President Bernstein Estiandan was quoted as saying.  

Despite the pandemic, the NLEX Corporation completed this new expressway project in response to the need to increase business activities and facilitate the faster flow of goods and services going in and out of the Subic Freeport Zone.

Earlier, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma Eisma said that infrastructure projects like the expanded SFEX are essential in the continuing development and operation of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone because having better access means more investments and livelihood opportunities.

“We envision Subic to be a globally competitive investment and tourism destination and a world-class economic growth center. This is why we are strengthening Subic’s capacity to take in more business and more jobs. The expanded SFEX because it is better and bigger, brings in more business to Subic,” Eisma said.

The new SFEX has a total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel, designed to improve mobility, enable safer travel, and support the logistics and supply chain operations.

Further, NLEX Corporation has installed LED lights, raised the elevation of the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction, and enhanced the area’s drainage system.

Manila Allied Services Head of Yello X Supply Chain Solutions Inc. Eugene Montejo attested to the convenience brought by the new road. “Mabilis at maayos ang biyahe namin habang nasa SFEX dahil malawak. Maayos din ang pagdaan ng mga truck namin sa tunnel. Safe nakakarating ang mga sasakyan namin sa pick-up sa Subic dahil sa SFEX (We have a quick and smooth ride while at SFEX because it is wide. Our trucks also passed smoothly in the tunnel. Our vehicles arrive safely at pickup destinations in Subic due to SFEX),” he said.

NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista noted that the expanded SFEX is aimed to spur investments and boost efficiencies of businesses in North and Central Luzon provinces.

“Our truckers and those in the logistics industries serve as lifeline maintaining critical supply chains during this pandemic. We are delighted that the new SFEX has been significantly beneficial for this sector that plays a key role in the economic recovery,” Bautista said.

Since its opening in February, more than 1.3 million motorists have traversed the new SFEX and have since experienced the safer and more convenient travel it offers.

Photos from NLEX Corporation

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SFEX Capacity Expansion completion rescheduled to yearend 2020

NLEX to Implement Subic Freeport Expressway Project

New SFEX road open until mid-Jan. 2021