TPLEX's new segment opened up to Binalonan, Pangasinan

Last weekend, a  new segment of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) was opened up to motorists as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the stretch of TPLEX from Urdaneta City-Binalonan segment is ready to be used. They expect that at least 20,000 vehicles will benefit from this per day.

The newly opened 4.92-kilometer segment effectively reduces the travel time from Tarlac to Urdaneta. Previously, it will take at least two hours and 30 minutes. And now with the new segment, it will only take 40 minutes.

“The Duterte administration is fast-tracking the construction of all projects to ensure that communities are livable, safe and accessible. The opening of this segment would cut travel time from Tarlac to Urdaneta by over 70 percent and would ensure easy access to many tourist destinations in Pangasinan,” said DPWH Secretary Mark A. Villar.

The DPWH and the Duterte administration's main priority is to increase the road networks. Through this, commerce outside Metro Manila will be facilitated effectively. It will also increase productivity within the rural and agricultural enterprise as well as tourism in both rural and urban. 

The next stage of TPLEX construction is the 7.53-kilometer stretch from Binalonan-Pozzurubio. As of now, the project is 61-percent completed and is expected to be finished on December 2016.

“We want the next segment completed in time for the Christmas season as this road would further reduce travel time to Baguio City and other areas of Northern Luzon and the Cordilleras. Procrastinating contractors have no place in this administration. The moment we delay our projects, we deny the Filipino people their right to demand prudent use of their tax money,” added Villar.

The entire 88.85-kilometer TPLEX that costs around Php 24.4-billion, is expected to be fully operational by 2018 and will serve at least 100,000 vehicles on a daily basis.