By Leamsi Ogima (Staff Reporter)
BATANGAS CITY — Motorists are once again raising serious safety concerns following another vehicular incident near the junction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension and the STAR Tollway leading to Santo Tomas City.
The area, located near the exit toward Santo Tomas City where the SLEX extension transitions into the STAR Tollway, has reportedly become a trouble spot for drivers, with several accidents being reported in recent months.
According to motorists who frequently pass through the stretch, the road configuration and the installation of barriers at the interchange have raised safety concerns, especially during nighttime or heavy traffic conditions.
Some drivers believe that the placement and design of the road barriers may be contributing to nasty incidents along SLEX, SELX Extension, and Star Tollway, which are all undergoing widening works under the care of tollway operator San Miguel Infra.
“Hazzard barrier. Sampahan nyo ng kaso SLEX or STAR Toll. Improper installation of the road barrier because not compliant with DPWH standard. Dapat no gap yung mga barrier na ‘yan,” commented a motorist in their SLEX Traffic online discussion following the latest incident.
Another motorist, who also requested anonymity, described the area as among the most dangerous sections of the toll road.
“Most unsafe tollway,” he wrote.
The junction serves as a critical gateway for motorists traveling between southern Luzon provinces and Metro Manila. It is frequently used by buses, cargo trucks, and private vehicles heading toward Batangas, Laguna, and nearby industrial zones.
Because of the heavy traffic volume, road safety advocates are calling for a thorough inspection of the interchange’s safety features, including barriers, signage, and lane markings.
Some motorists are also urging authorities to verify whether the barriers installed along the stretch comply with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) standards.
Road safety experts note that improperly installed or poorly positioned barriers can increase the risk of severe crashes, especially on expressways at high speeds.
Concerned drivers are now calling on tollway operators and government regulators to immediately review the design and safety compliance of the interchange before more motorists are harmed.
For many motorists who regularly pass through the area, the message is clear: unless safety improvements are made soon, the SLEX–STAR Tollway junction could continue to exact a heavy toll not only on vehicles but also on life and limb.
