NATION

BCDA, NLEX launch Luisita Interchange expansion

Jonas Reyes · Aug 12, 2026, 1:51 AM

OFFICIALS from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Tarlac provincial government and NLEX Corp. break ground Tuesday on the SCTEX Luisita Interchange expansion in Tarlac City. The project will add direct access ramps to improve traffic flow and connectivity across Central Luzon. — PHOTOGRAPH courtesy of BCDA

The North Luzon Expressway Corp. (NLEX) broke ground Tuesday on a P172-million project to expand the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Luisita Interchange, adding crucial ramps to improve travel and trade across Central Luzon.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Joshua Bingcang, joined by Tarlac Governor Christian Tell Yap and NLEX Corp. officials, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new northbound entry and southbound exit ramps.

Bingcang said the expansion will provide missing connections that local communities and motorists have requested for years.

“This means that soon, motorists coming from MacArthur Highway will have direct access to SCTEX when traveling north. Those coming from Northern Luzon will also be able to exit directly at Luisita when traveling south,” Bingcang said.

He added that the infrastructure upgrade is part of a broader effort to create an interconnected ecosystem within the Luzon Economic Corridor to help businesses grow and propel national economic development.

Yap highlighted the local impact of the expansion, noting it will open up more opportunities for Tarlac residents by improving accessibility to jobs and commercial centers.

The SCTEX, which connects with the NLEX network, handles a combined daily average of 350,000 to 430,000 vehicles during peak holiday travel periods, with about 85 percent of motorists utilizing electronic toll transactions.

Officials anticipate the improved access will also bolster provincial tourism, especially during peak seasons. Tarlac recorded 88,365 overnight visitors in 2023, comprising primarily domestic travelers alongside foreign visitors and overseas Filipinos.