The much-anticipated Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-Lex) spanning the province’s Binalonan and Laoac towns has recently broken ground, in a ceremony initiated by San Miguel Corp (SMC) and the Pangasinan provincial government.
The project is seen to further unlock the province’s economic potential through improved accessibility and mobility.
SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang described the 76.80-km expressway project as a game-changer for Pangasinan that is seen to boost local industries, agriculture, and tourism by linking the province’s eastern and western corridors.
“The P-LEX project affirms SMC’s affinity with, and deep commitment to, Pangasinan. We believe in the bigger potential of the province and its people, and that is why we continue to invest here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership, and with the help and support of the provincial government, create more jobs, livelihood, and business opportunities in the province,” he added.
The project is structured in two phases, with the first phase linking Binalonan to Lingayen, the provincial capital. This phase is subdivided into three segments—a 6.90-km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, an 11.30-km stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao, and a 22.17-km passage from Calasiao to Lingayen, along with a 2.39-km spur road in Calasiao. Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
P-Lex will connect to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLex) at the Binalonan exit, providing direct access to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.
Ang reassured that the construction of P-Lex would incur no costs for the provincial government, committing to timely completion pending the acquisition of the necessary right of way.
“The provincial government will also receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings, which it can use to provide more social services to our kababayans,” Ang said.
He thanked the Pangasinan provincial government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald DG Lambino, for the opportunity to work together on the P-Lex project.
“This collaboration between the government of Pangasinan and the private sector is proof that when people work together toward a common goal, anything is possible,” Ang said.
Caption: Ang, Guico III, DG Lambino, and Rep. Ramon N. Guico Jr lead the P-Lex groundbreaking ceremony