Get to Baguio Faster with SCTEX
How to Navigate the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway
Getting to Baguio City has just gotten way easier!
First the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) was opened, transforming the North Diversion Road into a smooth, rational, time and fuel saving avenue for a quicker trip to the Summer Capital of the Philippines, with one third of the trip being traffic- & hassle-free.
Then, in 2008, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) was inaugurated, giving motorists another 40km of beautiful roads. This means that now 50% of any trip from Manila to Baguio can be negotiated in just 1.5-2.0 hours!
SCTEX is the project of the Bases Conversion & Development Authority (BCDA), under the Office of the President of the Philippines, that oversees the development of all the former U.S. Military bases that were turned over upon the expiration of the RP-US Bases Agreement in 1991.
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"One Road to Rule them All"
The BCDA aims to connect all the properties under its jurisdiction, starting with Clark, Subic and Bataan. A planned second phase will extend the road all the way to Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union, creating just one access road for all the former U.S. Bases in Central and Northern Luzon.
Just the good news of a road that will reach La Union is enough for travelers to Baguio City since it is barely 45 minutes away from here. And if everything goes well, then another BCDA property, Camp John Hay, will be given a direct access route under the ambitious BCDA plan which, of course, is even better.
The effect of this future extension would be that motorists will be able to bypass the "traffic-rich" provinces of Tarlac and Pangasinan altogether eventually, great news for all of use who rue having to pass through them.
Should you wish to learn more about how the SCTEX, along with the NLEX, can cut your travel time for the first leg of your travel to Baguio City, read the complete directions detailed at the blog:
1. Watch the video slideshow, with captions, that I created for this site that uses the Tarlac City exit.
2. You may also choose to take the SCTEX Hacienda Luisita exit instead.
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