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San Miguel Corp and the local government unit of Pangasinan signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement for the construction of the 76.8km Pangasinan Link Expressway project
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PLEX will consist of two phases: the 42.76 km Phase 1 from Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway to Lingayen, and Phase 2 extending all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan
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Phase 1 will reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to 20-30 minutes from the current 1 hour 30 to 1 hour and 45 minutes
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The development also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport in Bulacan
San Miguel Corp (SMC) and the local government unit of Pangasinan signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement on October 19 to construct the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project.
The project commences at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan, forming a vital component of SMC’s extensive plan to fortify the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon, the company said in a statement.
The development aims to establish a seamless connection to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, a concurrent venture under SMC.
PLEX will consist of two phases: Phase 1 spans 42.76 km, linking TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 extends to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
“With PLEX connecting to other infrastructure such as TPLEX, which will support access to the NMIA, this project will significantly benefit Pangasinan’s local industries, home-grown products, and agricultural sector,” SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang said at the sidelines of the signing ceremony.
Phase 1 is subdivided into three segments: the initial 6.90 km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30 km section from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the concluding 22.17 km section from Calasiao to Lingayen.
Additionally, a 2.39 km spur road will be constructed in Calasiao. Phase 2, on the other hand, will expand based on demand, ultimately reaching Alaminos, Pangasinan.
“Through the PLEX, we shall have a very systematic approach in navigating Pangasinan, creating a roadmap never before imagined possible for our province,” Pangasinan governor Ramon Guico III said, adding that Phase 1 is expected to substantially reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20-30 minutes, down from the current 1 hour 30 to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Beyond connectivity, SMC said PLEX is set to bridge the province’s east and west corridors, stimulating economic activity. SMC will shoulder the construction costs, with zero expense for national or provincial governments. Furthermore, the LGU stands to gain a significant share of the project’s earnings.
SMC envisions the project to fuel growth for Pangasinan’s micro and small businesses, which will translate into increased employment opportunities for the local population.
