TPLEX final phase to open on July 15

SAN FERNANDO CITY, July 13 (PIA) – The final segment of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) project will finally open on July 15, an official from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

Anna Mae Y. Lamentillo, DPWH “Build, Build, Build” Committee Chairperson, announced on the July 13 episode of the Network Briefing that the the 11.45-kilometer Pozorrubio, Pangasinan to Rosario, La Union segment of TPLEX will open on Wednesday.

“The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressway will open this coming July 15. Because of this, the travel time from Manila to Baguio will be shortened into three hours and to La Union will be 3.5 hours only,” said Lamentillo.

Prior to the announcement of the opening date, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar informed the public of the development of the said infrastructure project on his Facebook page.

On July 3, Villar led his team for the final inspection.

In an interview, he said they are expecting around 20,000 motorists to benefit from the project on a daily basis.  

TPLEX is composed of eight segments: La Paz, Tarlac to Victoria (Segment 1); Victoria to Gerona (Segment 2); Gerona to Paniqui (Segment 3); Paniqui to Moncada (Segment 4); Moncada to Carmen (Segment 5); Carmen to Urdaneta (Segment 6); Urdaneta to Pozorrubio (Segment 7); and Pozorrubio to Rosario (Segment 8).

The Segment 8 was supposed to be formally opened in April, but was delayed due to lockdown brought by the coronavirus disease.

Meanwhile, Villar revealed that after 88.85-kilometer toll road is set to be extended to San Fernando City, La Union.

“Since nadeliver na po ang buong TPLEX, may inaayos kaming extension hanggang San Fernando. Within the year once ma-finalize ang mga ilang detalye, we hope na magsimula na ang next section,” he declared

Further, he said the extension is already for approval of the National Economic Development Authority Board. (JCR/JND/PIA La Union)