If you have not yet tried out the most scenic highway in the country, you have until March 24 to do so free of charge! The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway is on test run beginning today and is open from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Remember that they close at 5:30 p.m. and they won't let you in after that.
The SCTEx Exit is a few meters after the Dau Exit of the NLEX. There is a short spur road which will take you to the actual SCTEx. What I found amusing is the fact that there were several signs which had the wrong spelling of MacArthur Highway. To the silly person who did those signs, it's "MacArthur" not "McArthur" since the road is named after Douglas MacArthur! That's what we get for having too much of McDonald's.On the way to Subic from Clark, the only open exits in the SCTEx are the ones in Dinalupihan and Subic. The SCTEx ends right at the entrance of the Subic-Tipo Tollway so it's really convenient for those going to Subic.
We tried it out on the way to Subic today and it was worth the trip. Imagine arriving in Subic from Clark in just 35 minutes! I still remember the days having to pass through all the traffic in Sta. Cruz, Lubao, Pampanga and other busy intersections along the Gapan-Olongapo Road (now Jose Abad Santos Highway). Finally, smooth travel all the way!I hope they finish C6 - Lakeshore Expressway soon. The proposed expressway will connect Cavite City to Marilao, Bulacan as well as the SLEX to the NLEX so that you need not travel through chaotic Metro Manila.
Add to that the fact that the highway is so scenic. It passes through the untouched countryside in Porac and Floridablanca, Pampanga. The drive itself is an attraction you should not miss! Enjoy it while it lasts because I could already foresee development creeping in as the different exits are constructed and opened.
And if you make it just in time for sunset (we were almost not allowed inside since we were a few minutes late) the views are nothing but surreal.North Luzon Expressway
(02) 35000
Thanks for the post and the photos of the highway. Looks like a fine road to connect the upcoming new, final Manila International Airport at former American AFB Clark Air Force Base to former seedy Olongapo and fine Subic Bay. However, wasn't there some controversy about the cost of the highway? Didn't the total cost come in slightly higher than expected, and perhaps there was some corruption involved? Only asking.
ReplyDeleteYup, it's a great road! I hope they finish the NLEX up to Rosario, La Union. Anyway, anything constructed by the government here in the Philippines is overpriced. Nothing new...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! What camera did you use? I took some pictures of my SCTEx run today, but I have to pass the verdict on them when I transfer them to my computer.
ReplyDeleteGreat work!
I used a Sony Cyber-shot camera.
ReplyDeleteWorld-class highway, this. Looks like somewhere in Europe. Hope it'll be maintained well.
ReplyDeleteThe highway itself will be well-maintained given the private management. But my fear is that when the exits are all completed, there will be an unregulated building spree that is characteristic of our lack of planning in the country. Then it will look like the NLEX and SLEX. So no more views :(
ReplyDeleteI'll try to mention this to Among Ed so the province can put safeguards. But we must remember that the "battle for the exits" was allegedly a result of politicians wanting to locate them near their properties. Meaning, there indeed will be a building spree!
Hi, do you know if there is an exit somewhere in Dinalupihan Bataan?
ReplyDeleteYes, there is an exit in Dinalupihan.
ReplyDeletehi ivan may i ask if i can take the sctex to get to cabanatuan?and can u suggest routes that i can take tnx alot-anne from subic
ReplyDeleteThe property where the Floridablanca toll plaza is situated is owned and still maintained by the heirs of Atty Ramon R. Joven. There are several reports of anomalous land sale and transfers on the area.
ReplyDeleteThe 164 Hectares property of the late Ramon Joven Sr being traversed by SCTEX has already been awarded to the farmer beneficiaries of San Jose Floridablanca last May 2003 by then DAR Secretary Obet Pagdanganan through the issuance of Emancipation patent to the farmers. This can be verified at the register of deeds San Fernando Pampanga.
ReplyDeleteThe property where the BASA / Floridablanca toll plaza is situated is owned and still maintained by the heirs of Atty Ramon R. Joven. There are several reports of anomalous land sale and transfers on the area.
ReplyDeleteIt is highly advised that this be verified at the Register of Deeds- San Fernando, Pampanga before transacting with agent/trustee poseurs with regards to this property.