The expansion of the SCTEX Hacienda Luisita interchange project is expected to improve access to major economic and development areas in and around Tarlac, including the Luisita Industrial Park, Crescendo of Ayala Land, and TARI Estate of Aboitiz Infracapital.
Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, president and CEO of the Bases Conversion Authority (BCDA), following the groundbreaking ceremony of the interchange on Tuesday, last week. BCDA awarded the PHP172-million contract to Pampanga-based contractor Eddmari Construction and Trading.
The project forms part of BCDA’s continuing efforts to improve strategic SCTEX interchanges and strengthen connectivity across Central Luzon, supporting the movement of people, goods, and investments across the region.
“Our goal is to build infrastructure that creates value beyond the boundaries of our own properties,” Bingcang said. “A stronger Tarlac means a stronger Central Luzon, and better connectivity is an important part of making that happen.”
Bingcang said the project is designed to serve the wider Tarlac community and Central Luzon, beyond the developments within BCDA-administered properties.
“This project is about connecting people and businesses to opportunities. The Hacienda Luisita Interchange will serve not only BCDA properties, but also residents, workers, businesses, and communities across Tarlac and the wider Central Luzon region,” Bingcang said. “When we improve connectivity, we make it easier for people to get to work, businesses to move goods, and investments to reach communities. This is the kind of infrastructure that helps the broader region grow.”
The SCTEX Hacienda Luisita expansion project includes the construction of a 624-meter two-lane access entry ramp bound for Baguio City or Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and a 242-meter one-lane additional exit ramp bound for the Tarlac City and adjacent municipalities.
The second ramp will be a 681-meter two-lane access exit ramp with supporting structures, bound for Tarlac City and other municipalities. The project also covers the construction of a toll plaza, drainage facilities, slope protection, utilities, streetlights, and other structures. The expansion project is scheduled for completion within 240 calendar days or around the second quarter of 2027.
Tarlac Governor Christian Tell A. Yap welcomed the project, saying improved connectivity will help support the province’s continued growth.
“[This] will not only benefit the companies who will gain better accessibility to the north for their products, but also benefit our constituents in the province. With this exit, all of our people who want to go to the Luisita area will have easy access, especially with all the developments now,” Yap said.
He added that this will open up more opportunities for Tarlac residents by cutting travel time and bringing them closer to jobs, businesses, and other economic activities.
