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SLEX Toll Road 4 (TR4) is a large-scale infrastructure project extending the South Luzon Expressway by 66.74 km from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon. 



Designed as a four-lane toll road, it’s meant to ease congestion along the old Daang Maharlika (AH26) and cut travel time significantly—from 3–4 hours to approximately 45 minutes—1 hour.


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Route & Segmentation

The main alignment is divided into six construction packages:

  • TR4A: Santo Tomas → Makban (11.32 km)

  • TR4B: Makban → San Pablo (12.75 km)

  • TR4C: San Pablo → Tiaong (7.50 km)

  • TR4D: Tiaong → Candelaria (15 km)

  • TR4E: Candelaria → Tayabas (10.21 km)

  • TR4F: Tayabas → Lucena/Mayao (9.96 km)


It includes seven interchanges at Santo Tomas, Makban, San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, Tayabas, and Lucena.




Project History & Timeline

Early planning dates back to early 2010s; construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 26, 2019, by DPWH and SMC.

The project was initially set for completion in 2022 but faced delays due to right‑of‑way issues and pandemic disruptions.

As of January 2024, as-built progress varied per package: TR4A (~19%), TR4C (~62%), TR4D not yet started; overall right‑of‑way acquisition was ~93% complete.



Budget & Financing

Initial project estimates ranged from ₱13.1 billion to ₱26.1 billion, depending on the package.

SMC SLEX Inc. allocated:

  • ₱7.4 billion (2023) and ₱6.77 billion towards TR4 and SLEX widening.

  • Additional supplemental capex of ₱3.27 billion in 2024 — bringing total capex to ₱11.33 billion.

  • Plans to fully fund the ₱26.1 billion project by completion in 2026.




Construction & Current Status

Construction remains ongoing, with partial partial opening possible in 2025, while full operation is targeted for 2026—or possibly early 2027.

As of late 2024, some connected lanes along the existing SLEX are being widened to 6 lanes per direction, expected to complete by mid‑2025.

Supporting infrastructure, such as the Ayala Greenfield Interchange, began construction in October 2024, enhancing connectivity.


Strategic Importance

TR4 is a cornerstone of the national "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting provincial roads and boosting regional mobility .

It's expected to reduce travel time from Sto. Tomas to Lucena from ~3 hours to ~45 minutes, transforming transportation for communities, tourism, and logistics.

It connects to upcoming SLEX TR5, which will extend further into the Bicol region, enhancing economic integration and trade routes.



Challenges & Concerns

Land acquisition hurdles delayed initial timelines—most right‑of‑way issues resolved by early 2024 .

Critics argue SLEX expansions—including TR4—are reactive, addressing traffic symptoms without fixing design flaws or flood resilience.

Drivers report pavement issues, poor signage, and RFID glitches on parts of the existing SLEX—a reminder of the need for quality controls as new sections come online.


Summary


SLEX TR4 represents one of the Philippines' most significant regional projects to date—promising transformative reductions in travel time, decongestion, and economic uplift for CALABARZON and beyond. Its success rests on timely completion, high-quality construction, and seamless integration with existing corridors. While minor challenges remain, the vision of a high-speed, efficient southern expressway is rapidly taking shape.


Where to Go in Quezon Province



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

All You Need to Know About SLEX Toll Road 4 (TR4)


SLEX Toll Road 4 (TR4) is a large-scale infrastructure project extending the South Luzon Expressway by 66.74 km from Santo Tomas, Batangas to Lucena City, Quezon. 



Designed as a four-lane toll road, it’s meant to ease congestion along the old Daang Maharlika (AH26) and cut travel time significantly—from 3–4 hours to approximately 45 minutes—1 hour.


Loading...

Route & Segmentation

The main alignment is divided into six construction packages:

  • TR4A: Santo Tomas → Makban (11.32 km)

  • TR4B: Makban → San Pablo (12.75 km)

  • TR4C: San Pablo → Tiaong (7.50 km)

  • TR4D: Tiaong → Candelaria (15 km)

  • TR4E: Candelaria → Tayabas (10.21 km)

  • TR4F: Tayabas → Lucena/Mayao (9.96 km)


It includes seven interchanges at Santo Tomas, Makban, San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, Tayabas, and Lucena.




Project History & Timeline

Early planning dates back to early 2010s; construction officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 26, 2019, by DPWH and SMC.

The project was initially set for completion in 2022 but faced delays due to right‑of‑way issues and pandemic disruptions.

As of January 2024, as-built progress varied per package: TR4A (~19%), TR4C (~62%), TR4D not yet started; overall right‑of‑way acquisition was ~93% complete.



Budget & Financing

Initial project estimates ranged from ₱13.1 billion to ₱26.1 billion, depending on the package.

SMC SLEX Inc. allocated:

  • ₱7.4 billion (2023) and ₱6.77 billion towards TR4 and SLEX widening.

  • Additional supplemental capex of ₱3.27 billion in 2024 — bringing total capex to ₱11.33 billion.

  • Plans to fully fund the ₱26.1 billion project by completion in 2026.




Construction & Current Status

Construction remains ongoing, with partial partial opening possible in 2025, while full operation is targeted for 2026—or possibly early 2027.

As of late 2024, some connected lanes along the existing SLEX are being widened to 6 lanes per direction, expected to complete by mid‑2025.

Supporting infrastructure, such as the Ayala Greenfield Interchange, began construction in October 2024, enhancing connectivity.


Strategic Importance

TR4 is a cornerstone of the national "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure initiative aimed at decongesting provincial roads and boosting regional mobility .

It's expected to reduce travel time from Sto. Tomas to Lucena from ~3 hours to ~45 minutes, transforming transportation for communities, tourism, and logistics.

It connects to upcoming SLEX TR5, which will extend further into the Bicol region, enhancing economic integration and trade routes.



Challenges & Concerns

Land acquisition hurdles delayed initial timelines—most right‑of‑way issues resolved by early 2024 .

Critics argue SLEX expansions—including TR4—are reactive, addressing traffic symptoms without fixing design flaws or flood resilience.

Drivers report pavement issues, poor signage, and RFID glitches on parts of the existing SLEX—a reminder of the need for quality controls as new sections come online.


Summary


SLEX TR4 represents one of the Philippines' most significant regional projects to date—promising transformative reductions in travel time, decongestion, and economic uplift for CALABARZON and beyond. Its success rests on timely completion, high-quality construction, and seamless integration with existing corridors. While minor challenges remain, the vision of a high-speed, efficient southern expressway is rapidly taking shape.


Where to Go in Quezon Province



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

Batangas Expressway Lucena Quezon Province Road Road Works SLEX Toll

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