QUEZON PROVINCE — Questions surrounding the progress of the South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 4 (SLEX TR4) in Quezon province took center stage on Tuesday, February 10, as Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” Tan convened a coordination meeting with key stakeholders to assess the status of the long-anticipated infrastructure project. Joining the discussion were representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Central Office, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure, and local government officials from the cities of Tayabas and Lucena.

During the meeting, DPWH and SMC Infrastructure presented updates on the current condition and progress of the project, particularly in the municipalities of Tiaong, Candelaria, and Sariaya, as well as in Tayabas and Lucena cities. The SLEX Toll Road 4 Project spans a total length of 66.74 kilometers, stretching from Santo Tomas City in Batangas to Lucena City in Quezon. Once completed, it is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and serve as a vital alternative route to the often-busy Maharlika Highway.

Beyond progress reports, the discussion also focused on the challenges affecting implementation, including right-of-way concerns, coordination issues, and on-the-ground logistical hurdles. The meeting aimed to craft concrete solutions and recommendations through closer collaboration between national agencies, the provincial government, and affected local government units.

Governor Tan emphasized the provincial government’s openness and full cooperation with both government agencies and the private sector to ensure the project’s timely completion. Her assurance reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure projects of this scale are not just engineering undertakings, but long-term investments in economic growth, regional connectivity, and public welfare.

Still, while updates offer renewed optimism, residents and motorists remain cautiously hopeful. Large infrastructure projects have historically faced delays, and public trust often hinges on consistent progress rather than promises. As SLEX TR4 moves forward amid challenges and expectations, the lingering question remains: will this expressway finally deliver the faster, safer, and more efficient travel that Quezon province has been waiting for, or will it become another project slowed by familiar roadblocks? (Larawan mula sa: Doktora Helen Tan / Facebook)