Subic Freeport Expressway

The Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX), formerly referred to as the Subic–Tipo Expressway and North Luzon Expressway Segment 7 (NLEX Segment 7), is a 8.8-kilometer (5.5 mi) four-lane expressway that connects the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway to the Subic Freeport Zone in the Philippines. Its alignment traverses the provinces of Bataan and Zambales.

E4 shield
Subic Freeport Expressway
Subic–Tipo Expressway
NLEX Segment 7
Tipo, Bataan, Philippines - panoramio (1).jpg
View of the expressway eastward to Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway in Hermosa
Route information
Maintained by NLEX Corporation
Length8.8 km[1] (5.5 mi)
Existed1996–present
Component
highways
E4
Major junctions
East end N3 (Jose Abad Santos Avenue) in Dinalupihan, Bataan
Major intersections E4 (Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway) in Hermosa, Bataan
West endRizal Highway and Maritan Highway in Subic Freeport Zone, Olongapo
Location
CountryPhilippines
ProvincesBataan, Zambales
Major citiesOlongapo
TownsDinalupihan, Hermosa, Morong
Highway system
  • Roads in the Philippines
E3 E5

The expressway forms part of Expressway 4 (E4) of the Philippine expressway network.

Route description

SFEX, before the capacity expansion project.

Beginning at the intersection of Rizal and Maritan Highways, the expressway runs northward traversing the wetlands of the former Naval Exchange going towards Argonaut Highway. The alignment curves to the right as it crosses Argonaut Highway and goes up as it enters the Bataan National Park. The alignment then veers on a southeasterly direction traversing the side slopes of the mountain. The road enters Bataan as it exits the national park and there are two Total service areas, with one before the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) security checkpoint for southbound lanes and near the checkpoint for northbound lanes. It would then curve westward, eastward, pass into one river, and repeats the same direction as before. There is an overpass after passing the bridge and before entering Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Upon entering SCTEX, there is a toll plaza and the road forks into two, the left towards Jose Abad Santos Avenue (Olongapo–Gapan Road) and the right is a toll plaza leading to SCTEX.

Expansion

SFEX tunnel, during the capacity expansion project.

As part of NLEX Corporation's expansion and improvement of its toll roads, the expressway was expanded to accommodate an additional carriageway inclusive of two bridges and a tunnel parallel to the existing ones.[2]

Groundbreaking ceremony of the expansion project was held on September 12, 2019. It was expected to be completed in September 2020, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new carriageway and expansion was opened to traffic on February 19, 2021.[3]

Toll

Subic Freport Expressway (SFEX) employs a barrier toll system, where motorists that use exclusively this expressway pay a fixed toll rate. The toll collection is done at the SFEX Toll Plaza in Tipo.

Meanwhile, motorists that originate from SCTEX are charged of toll rates based on the number of kilometers travelled from their entry point at SCTEX or NLEX upon entry on SFEX at Tipo Interchange. Tickets, meanwhile, are issued to eastbound vehicles from SFEX upon entry on SCTEX at Tipo Interchange and are charged at their respective exit points at SCTEX or NLEX. This is since SCTEX and NLEX are an integrated closed system since 2016.[4]

The electronic toll collection (ETC) system on the expressway uses devices branded Easytrip by its concessionaire, NLEX Corporation, and collection are done on mixed lanes at the toll barriers.

Tolls are charged based on class. In accordance with law, all toll rates include a 12% value-added tax.

Class Toll
Class 1
(Cars, Motorcycles, SUVs, Jeepneys)
27.00
Class 2
(Buses, Light Trucks)
67.00
Class 3
(Heavy Trucks)
80.00

Source: Toll Regulatory Board

Exits

Tipo Interchange in Hermosa, Bataan, before the toll system integration with NLEx.
Jadjad Bridge
Argonaut Bridge
SFEX bridges

This entire route is located in Central Luzon. Exits will be numbered by kilometer posts, with Rizal Park in Manila designated as kilometer zero. 

ProvinceCity/MunicipalitykmmiDestinationsNotes
BataanDinalupihan14389 N3 (Jose Abad Santos Avenue)Eastern terminus
Hermosa14389SFEX toll plaza (2016–present)
14389 E4 (SCTEX) Clark, Manila, Tarlac City, BaguioEastbound exit and westbound entrance
14489Subic–Tipo toll plaza (1996–2016, demolished)
MorongJadjad Bridge
14691Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority security checkpoint
14691Total (Subic Tipo 2) service area (westbound)
14691Holy Land Subic SanctuaryTrumpet interchange; westbound access via Total (Subic Tipo 2)
14691Total (Subic Tipo) service area (eastbound)
SFEX Tunnel
ZambalesOlongapo14892Argonaut HighwayT-intersection. Temporary access to Argonaut Highway.
Argonaut Bridge
15093Rizal Highway / Maritan HighwayWestern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

See also

References

  1. "Road and Bridge Inventory". Department of Public Works and Highway. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  2. Mercurio, Richmond (September 13, 2019). "NLEX starts P1.6 B SFEX works". The Philippine Star.
  3. Ibañez, Jenina P. (February 19, 2021). "Subic Freeport Expressway opens". BusinessWorld. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  4. Lazaro, Ramon Efren (March 19, 2016). "NLEX, SCTEX integrated, eases northbound travel". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
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