By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Aerial view of a major expressway interchange linking urban and commercial districts, highlighting the growin...
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| Aerial view of a major expressway interchange linking urban and commercial districts, highlighting the growing role of transport infrastructure in easing traffic flow and supporting economic activity in Southern Luzon. (SMC Infrastracture) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Every day, thousands of motorists and bus passengers crawl through traffic on the Maharlika Highway between Metro Manila and Quezon Province. Congestion and bottlenecks routinely turn a few hours on the road into a much longer trip.
For decades, that daily grind has shaped how people travel, work and do business across Southern Luzon. SLEX TR4 now aims to challenge that reality by creating a faster route between Metro Manila and Quezon Province.
The 66.74-kilometer expressway has moved closer to partial operation as construction advances toward a targeted 2026 opening. Once operational, the project could cut travel time between Manila and Lucena from three to four hours to about one hour.
The ₱58.4-billion project will connect Sto. Tomas, Batangas and Lucena City through a four-lane expressway. San Miguel Infrastructure is developing the corridor as one of the largest road projects currently under construction in Southern Luzon.
The route will include interchanges in Sto. Tomas, Makban, San Pablo City, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya and Lucena City. Those access points are expected to strengthen links between industrial centers, agricultural communities and commercial hubs along the corridor.
Motorists currently rely on the Maharlika Highway, where congestion frequently slows travel between Batangas and Quezon. The expressway is designed to provide an alternative route that bypasses some of the busiest sections of the national road network.
Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon recently said developer San Miguel Corp. committed to opening the first phase before the end of 2026. The announcement renewed attention on a project expected to reshape travel across Southern Luzon.
Dizon said the expressway remains a priority infrastructure project under the administration. His remarks signaled the government's push to use major transport projects to drive growth beyond Metro Manila.
“This project will significantly improve connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters and businesses in the region. Better transportation links will open more opportunities for trade, tourism and investment across Southern Luzon,” Dizon said.
Dizon said infrastructure investments can help provinces compete for jobs and capital. He argued that stronger road networks can connect more communities to economic opportunities.
“Infrastructure is a key driver of economic growth and regional development. Projects like TR4 help connect communities to jobs, investments and essential services more efficiently,” he added.
Quezon stands among the provinces with the most to gain from the project. Manufacturers, farmers and tourism operators could reach Metro Manila faster and at lower cost once the expressway opens.
Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda welcomed continued progress on the expressway and focused on its economic impact. His remarks highlighted how transport infrastructure can influence business decisions, agricultural competitiveness and regional growth.
“The completion of TR4 will be a game changer for Southern Luzon, particularly for trade, tourism and agriculture. Faster travel and more reliable transport corridors will benefit both businesses and ordinary commuters,” Salceda said.
Salceda argued that transport costs remain one of the biggest hurdles facing producers outside Metro Manila. He said every hour shaved from delivery times helps businesses move goods faster and at lower cost.
“Reducing travel time also means reducing logistics costs and improving market access for producers. That advantage can help attract investments and strengthen economic activity throughout Southern Luzon,” he added.
TR4 also serves as the foundation for a larger transport corridor planned for Southern Luzon. The expressway is expected to connect with the proposed SLEX TR5 project, which would extend the network from Lucena City to Matnog, Sorsogon and create a continuous high-speed route between Metro Manila and the Bicol Region.
Construction crews continue work on interchanges, bridges and roadway sections as the opening date approaches. Whether that changes in 2026 will depend on how quickly construction turns decades of planning into an open expressway.
Its success will ultimately be measured not by kilometers of pavement, but by the time and costs it removes from everyday travel. The real test will come when commuters, businesses and transport operators begin to feel those gains in their daily routines.
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