The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has given the green light to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to proceed with the Swiss challenge for the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension Project in the Philippines.  

After the Swiss challenge, the project is anticipated to be granted by May 2024 in the presence of challengers. If no challenges arise, the award will be given to the Original Proponent, San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC) by March 2024. Construction of the project is projected to conclude within five years from the contract signing. The TPLEX Extension Project, to be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP), is a 59.4 km 4-lane toll road commencing from the TPLEX in Rosario, La Union, and concluding in San Juan, La Union. The estimated total project cost stands at PHP23.4 billion (USD417.8 million).  

The project's objective is to establish an additional expressway linking the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila. Its aims include stimulating economic activity, alleviating road congestion, and providing improved and safer road access to the Ilocos Region.