The proposal to extend the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) is one step closer to approval after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced that the National Economic Development Authority will “most likely” approve it by the first quarter of 2020.
In a report by BusinessWorld, public works Sec. Mark Villar said that the unsolicited proposal of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to extend the expressway is being considered.
“Wino-workout lang. Nasa NEDA na ‘yun. (It’s being worked out at NEDA) I think soon we should come out (with the approval)… hopefully first quarter next year… Most likely, first quarter next year,” Villar said.
In 2018, the DPWH granted the original proponent status to SMC following its unsolicited proposal to extend TPLEX from Rosario, La Union up to San Juan, La Union.
The proposed extension includes an 18-kilometer road from Rosario to Tubao, 23 kilometers from Tubao to Naguilan, and another 18.4 kilometers from Naguilian to San Juan.
The SMC also handles the original 89.31-kilometer alignment of the TPLEX from Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union. – Arjay L. Balinbin
