The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Thursday announced the approval of a resolution by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) recommending the award of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension Project to San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC).
SMHC is the original proponent and winning private proponent of the TPLEX project.
The project involves the design, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the extension of the existing TPLEX, which will further improve transportation efficiency and accessibility for the provinces of Tarlac, Pangasinan and La Union.
The milestone marks the next phase in the development of the TPLEX Extension Project, a key infrastructure initiative under the “Build Better More” program aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth.
The TPLEX Extension Project is a 59.4-kilometer four-lane toll road which will start from the TPLEX in Rosario, La Union and will terminate in San Juan, La Union. The estimated total project cost is P23.4 billion.
It aims to extend the expressway and interconnect the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon and Metro Manila. It is expected to stimulate economic activity, mitigate road congestion and provide better and safer road access going to the Ilocos Region.
The project was initially approved by the NEDA Board on June 2, 2023, allowing the DPWH to commence negotiation with the original proponent. It is among the 197 infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) of the Marcos administration.
