The Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) undergoing improvements by means of maintenance works and asset enhancements by the NLEX Corporation, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report. This means better travel and improved safety for the many motorists who use the SCTEX.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Malaya Business Insight. Some parts in boldface…
NLEX Corp., the concessionaire of the 94-kilometer Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), recently rolled out a series of asset enhancement and preventive maintenance works to reinforce road safety, and help in providing an improved driving experience for motorists.
“We’re focused on delivering improvements that our motorists can truly feel on the road,” NLEX president and general manager Luis Reñon declared in a statement on November 20.
Approximately 3,700 square meters were reportedly completed from Dinalupihan to Tarlac, focusing on uneven surfaces and minimizing potential driving hazards.
The company also installed 22 additional sets of rumble strips at key locations along SCTEX. These strips produce mild vibrations and audible cuesfor drivers, promoting more attentive and safer driving behavior. A total of 26 rumble strips are now laid out across the expressway.
Median, or center guardrails, from Dolores to Luisita have been being raised by 30cm for the asphalt overlay. This adjustment maintains safety standards, and helps preserve roadway integrity.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? When was the last time you drove along the SCTEX?
Have you been driving lately along the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX)? In case you missed the news, the MCX has officially been acquired by a company led by the influential Villar group for almost P4 billion, according to a Manila Standard news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Standard news article. Some parts in boldface…
Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a company led by the Villar Group, on Wednesday finalized the acquisition of the four-kilometer Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway from Ayala Corp. for P3.8 billion.
PAVI said in a statement it signed the implementing agreements for the acquisition of MCX after the Department of Public Works and Highways in July approved the transfer of ownership of from Ayala Corp. to the Villar Group.
Vista Land chairman Manuel Villar Jr. and Ayala Corp. president and chief executive Cezar Consing attended the signing ceremony at Brittany Hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
“This momentous event shows our resolve to provide our countrymen better services in the area of roads and toll ways. You’ll be surprised of the many wonderful things to come in Villar City,” Villar said.
MCX is a four-kilometer controlled-access toll road linking the southern part of Cavite to Muntinlupa. It is the first public-private partner project under the Aquino administration.
Ayala signed the 30-year concession agreement for the operation of MCX Expressway in 2012. It invested P2.2 billion for the project including a P902-million cash payment to the government.
Ayala announced in March 2022 it would sell its entire stake in MCX Project Company Inc., which holds the concession for the MCX to the Villar Group for P3.8 billion.
“Ayala developed MCX over a decade ago to connect Metro Manila to Imus, Dasmarinas and Bacoor in Cavite which were experiencing rapid growth. MCX succeeded in relieving traffic congestion and reducing the travel time between Metro Manila and Cavite. The sale of MCX represents another example of our recycling capital to benefit from opportunities in our core and emerging businesses,” Consing said.
The acquisition will further expand Villar Group investment portfolio which currently includes housing, retail, food, water, power, and utilities, to integrated resorts and entertainment.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think there will be major changes regarding the MCX under the new owners? Do you constantly travel along the MCX?
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If you are planning to visit Subic Bay, Tarlac Province or Clark via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), you will have to set aside more money for traveling as the toll rates will be raised tomorrow already, according to details in a recent GMA Network news report. This is the result of the Toll Regulatory Board’s (TRB) approval of the toll rate adjustment for SCTEX.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
Motorists plying the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) may need to brace themselves against higher fees after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) approved the toll rate adjustment, operator North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation said Saturday.
In a statement, NLEX Corp. said the TRB authorized the implementation of an additional P0.78 per kilometer for motorists using the SCTEX.
The adjusted toll rates will take effect starting June 1, 2022.
Under the new toll matrix, motorists with Class 1 vehicles traveling between Mabalacat City to Tarlac will be charged an additional P31.00.
Those with Class 2 vehicles traveling on the same route will pay an additional P61.00 while motorists with Class 3 vehicles will pay an additional P92.00.
Meanwhile, an additional P49.00, P98.00, and P147.00 will be charged on motorists using Class 1, 2, and 3 vehicles, respectively, traveling between Mabalacat City and Tipo, Hermosa, Bataan which is near the Subic Freeport.
NLEX Corp. said the toll hike followed regulatory procedures and underwent thorough review. The increase also confirmed the periodic rate adjustments due in 2017.
“To support the public utility buses (PUBs) cope with the adjustment, they will be provided toll subsidies and allow them to continue to enjoy the old rates for the next three months,” the company said.
The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority is the builder and owner of the four-lane 93.7 kilometer SCTEX. The construction was partly funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
SCTEX opened to the public in 2008 and the management, operations and maintenance was privatized and awarded to NLEX Corp. in 2015.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about the approved toll rate adjustment for SCTEX? Does this discourage you from using the SCTEX to visit Subic Bay or Clark or other places connected to the said expressway?
For those of you who constantly drive going north or south through Skyway Stage 3, better brace yourselves as the collection of tolls from motorists will formally begin on July 12, 2021. That is this coming Monday already. Take note that it has been seven months since the use of Skyway Stage 3 was kept free for motorists.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…
After nearly seven months of providing the public free use of the 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3, San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Tuesday announced it will start collecting toll on the elevated expressway starting July.
In a statement, SMC said it will be using a revised toll matrix which is lower than the original proposed toll fees.
To recall, the Toll Regulatory Board approved last March the provisional toll rates for the Skyway 3.
The approved provisional toll rates are the following:
For Class 1 vehicles
Buendia to Sta. Mesa – P105.00
Sta. Mesa to Ramon Magsaysay – P30.00
Ramon Magsaysay to NLEX Balintawak – P129.00
Buendia to NLEX Balintawak – P264.00
For Class 2 vehicles, the toll rates are twice as much as the rates for Class 1 vehicles.
For Class 3, the rates are thrice the price of Class 1.
The approved provisional toll rates are lower than San Miguel’s petition ranging from P110 to P274.
SMC said the TRB issued a Toll Operating Permit and a Notice to Start Collecting Toll on Skyway 3.
The company, through its SMC Infrastructure, said it will post the final approved toll rates at the toll plazas prior to the start of toll collection.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said that the revised toll matrix, as approved by the TRB, takes into consideration the pandemic, its impact on the economy, and on Filipinos.
“We thank the TRB for helping us determine the most equitable toll rates for our motorists. We know from experience that times are hard for many, and even a little relief for motorists can go a long way. These toll rates reflect our deferral of the collection of a substantial amount of the cost to build Skyway 3. We also further lowered the rates for those traveling shorter distances,” Ang said.
He said the tolls it will collect will provide the company revenues to ensure continued efficient operations, maintenance, and safe driving conditions on the elevated expressway—particularly as daily traffic puts a heavy strain on the road infrastructure, necessitating significant maintenance costs.
Skyway 3 reduced travel time from Alabang to Balintawak and vice versa, to only 30 minutes from the previous three hours, and from Buendia to Balintawak, to only 20 minutes.
With a capacity of 200,000 vehicles per day, the elevated toll road has also significantly decongested traffic on major Metro Manila thoroughfares, including Edsa and C-5.
With the start of toll collection, the government can now also start generating significant income from the expressway, as it imposes a 12 % VAT on all toll fees, according to SMC.
SMC said it fully-funded the construction of the project with no government funds or guarantees and had spent over P80 billion– more than double its original cost – to complete the project over a period that spans two administrations.
And here is a related video news report also by GMA Network…
As seen in the above report, clearly it is high time for motorists to pay San Miguel Corporation (SMC) for using Skyway Stage 3 which itself is a magnificent piece of infrastructure (made possible by capitalists, not socialists) that will benefit generations of Filipinos who need to travel north, south and within key parts of Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 3 is a major factor in the decongestion of traffic along EDSA, C-5 and other major metropolitan roads. By the way, what motorists will pay starting Monday, a portion of that will go to the national government in the form of value-added tax (VAT).
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Are you prepared to pay the toll rates for Skyway Stage 3 starting July 12? How many times a week do you travel along Skyway Stage 3? Are the toll rates approved fair to you?
If you are a daily traveler on Skyway Stage 3, how was your travel time between destinations?
Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
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You must have heard about the opening of the northbound section (entry point at Susana Heights part of the South Luzon Expressway) of the Skyway Extension Project that happened just days ago with the presence of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang and Department of Highways and Public Works (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar who made final inspections that day. That’s really great news!
Here are more good news! SMC announced that it will do more with the construction of the Skyway Extension Project’s southbound section (exit also in the Susana Heights area of SLEX) and things will move at a faster pace with a 3rd quarter completion in mind.
To put things in perspective, below is the excerpt from the press release published through Philippine News Agency (PNA)…
“It’s only been a number of days since we opened the northbound section, free to the public until further notice, and already we have seen a huge improvement in traffic flow, particularly on SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and the Alabang viaduct. That makes us even more determined to complete construction of the southbound section so this project can fully serve motorists and improve traffic and connectivity to and from the south,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said in a statement Wednesday.
Ang said the soft-opening of the first two of the three lanes of the northbound Skyway Extension from Susana Heights to Sucat, Paranaque proved to be timely, as it coincided with the easing of quarantine restrictions.
Despite the higher volume of vehicles on the expressway, traffic has been smooth because many Class 1 vehicles now use the Skyway Extension.
“We’re already seeing how convenient and much faster travel is now, and it will become even more evident when traffic volume picks up and starts to normalize. That is why we’d again like to ask for our motorists’ cooperation and understanding as we move towards completion of the southbound Skyway Extension,” Ang said.
As part of the next phase of construction, Ang said the Hillsborough off-ramp of the elevated southbound Skyway will be closed to traffic permanently starting April 19 at 6 a.m.
As such, vehicles coming from the elevated Skyway will now exit at the steel ramp in Alabang. Heavy traffic is expected in this area.
“Unfortunately, there is no way around it, we need to close this portion to secure the staging ground for equipment and workers and to accelerate construction and ensure the safety of our motorists. I appeal to our motorists again for their patience and understanding. We expect heavy traffic to persist for the duration of the construction, but rest assured we will do everything we can to help mitigate this, and complete the project within the timetable,” Ang said.
With this, SMC Infrastructure is advising motorists to take the following alternative routes:
Class 1 vehicles from Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City bound for SLEX and farther South
• From Skyway Elevated, keep left to Steel Ramp towards destination.
Class 1 vehicles from Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City bound for Alabang
• From Skyway – Elevated, keep right to Alabang-Zapote off-ramp.
The Skyway Extension southbound section has two lanes and runs from the Skyway Main Toll Plaza to Soldier’s Hills in Muntinlupa, with a total distance of four kilometers.
Meanwhile, Ang reiterated that use of the northbound Skyway Extension will remain free for motorists until further notice.
The Skyway Extension project is part of the 38-kilometer elevated Skyway System, which includes the newly-opened Skyway Stage 3, also fully-funded by SMC.
Did you enjoy the above news and details? I sure did. What San Miguel Corporation (in coordination with the national government) has been doing is already benefitting people of Metro Manila and those from both the north and south of the National Capital Region (NCR) who need to travel great distances efficiently and faster. The results will be even greater once the entire project has been completed and the benefits will be available not only to travelers and motorists today, but also for future generations of people. Check out the related Skyway video below.
That being said, SMC and the Skyway projects are great examples of capitalism making great improvements to the national infrastructure. It is clear that the private sector is essential as it has the technologies, the expertise and resources to improve the quality of life (apart from providing good paying jobs) here in the Philippines. Capitalism is essential and good, and socialism (and all its related Leftist garbage) sucks. For more insight about capitalism and socialism, watch these videos from John Stossel plus another video that debunks the Left’s propaganda that the poor got poorer.
In closing this piece, let me ask you what you do think about the latest developments about the Skyway project? If you actually traveled via the Skyway lately, how was your travel experience?
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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Are you a motorist who needs to go way north, or way south or somewhere in between in the heart of Metro Manila? Here are some good news for you all: Skyway Stage 3 remains open to motorists as confirmed by San Miguel Corporation President Ramon S. Ang.
Very recently, there was confusion when it was announced that Stage 3 of the elevated expressway would close down on March 16, 2021 starting 5PM. Below is the excerpt from the GMA News report…
“In accordance with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) directive, the Skyway Stage 3 will be closed indefinitely starting 16 March 2021 at 5PM,” the Skyway Stage 3 management said in a post on Twitter on Monday night.
The elevated expressway will be reopened once all ramps are completed, as ordered by TRB, it said.
“Apologies for the inconvenience. SMC Infrastructure has no choice but to comply,” management said.
However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued an advisory on Tuesday saying the TRB has not issued a decision or directive ordering the closure indefinitely of Skyway Stage 3.
“This is to inform the public that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3 starting 5 p.m. of 16 March 2021,” the DOTr said.
“The Toll Regulatory Board DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3,” it added.
“TRB’s position is to keep Skyway Stage 3 OPEN for the benefit of motorists,” the DOTr added.
“The TRB is composed of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, National Economic Development Authority, and a representative from the private sector,” it said.
“Yes, I have just talk[ed] to [Transportation] Sec. [Arthur] Tugade. He will take care of TRB (Toll Regulatory Board),” Ang told GMA News Online.
Now that the issue has been resolved, keep using Skyway Stage 3 for as long as you need it to move around. Please share this article to fellow motorists and other Skyway travelers you personally know. Thanks.
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After long years of waiting and a lot of hard work done mainly by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and its strategic partners, Stage 3 of the Metro Manila Skyway here in the Philippines has officially been opened to motorists as confirmed by SMC’s president and CEO Ramon S. Ang.
“All access points and seven lanes in select areas will be available to motorists starting January 15 still for free—extended until February 1—so that our motorists can experience and enjoy seamless driving along this engineering marvel over Metro Manila’s congested streets,” Ang posted on his official Facebook page on January 13, 2021.
An official photo of a specific stretch of Skyway Stage 3 released by San Miguel Corporation.
Yesterday, the inauguration ceremony of Skyway Stage 3 was held and was graced by many government officials and special guests, including President Rodrigo Duterte. Ang expressed hope for the future as Skyway Stage 3 will benefit a lot of people traveling between north and south of Metro Manila.
Ang issued the following statement: I celebrate this special day with a full heart, knowing that we have delivered another game-changing project that will make a difference in the lives of so many Filipinos for many generations to come. With the official opening of our 18-km Skyway Stage 3, traffic in Metro Manila will be significantly reduced. It will no longer rob our kababayan of precious quality time with their families. After bridging the north and south of the Metro, we will begin work next month to realize another dream: to link Manila and Rizal in the east and eventually provide seamless land travel on all four corners of Metro Manila. Thank you to all our partner-stakeholders past and present, and to the Duterte Administration for the unwavering support in helping us deliver this vital infrastructure project! Maraming, maraming salamat po!
As mentioned before, Stage 3 of Skyway is a stretch of about 18 kilometers that connects the northern and southern parts of Luzon with an elevated highway that results much faster travel for motorists. Not only does it connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), it also allows motorists coming from both highways to reach their destinations in Quezon City, Manila and Makati City via designated exits. Skyway Stage 3 also has seven lanes.
In addition, anyone traveling from the north, let’s say the province of Bulacan, who has to travel all the way to Cavite province can do so by traveling along Skyway Stage 3 (to bypass EDSA and all the congested Metro Manila streets below), reach the older Skyway that connects to the NAIAX (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway) and connect to the CAVITEX (Cavite Expressway). Motorists from Cavite on the other hand can go north much faster than before through the same route of expressways.
People from Laguna province who need to visit far destinations in the north like Subic Bay or Clark can do so by entering the Skyway from SLEX, go through Skyway Stage 3 and enter the NLEX. From NLEX travelers can go to Subic Bay via the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). To reach Clark, travel further north via NLEX.
The potential benefits of Skyway Stage 3 makes travel between north and south much easier and more efficient. This also means avoiding losing precious time in traffic jams in Metro Manila’s old roads below the Skyway, and this should translate into much less stress traveling. As such, San Miguel Corporation and Ramon S. Ang deserve a lot of thanks and admiration. Also, never forget to thank God that this incredible achievement of Philippine infrastructure happened in our lifetimes. For sure, Skyway Stage 3 will contribute a lot to the socio-economic development of not only Luzon but the Philippines as a whole.
In ending this, posted below is the January 5, 2021 official video of Skyway Stage 3 (which was partially opened weeks ago) for your viewing pleasure and learning.
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Were you among the many who got caught in slow-moving, heavy traffic along the northbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) heading towards Muntinlupa this past Saturday? On the morning of November 21, a tragic accident happened that effectively delayed the completion of the Skyway Extension Project from December 2020 to February 2021.
According to a PTV News report, a steel girder from the Skyway Extension Project fell down at the East Service Road in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City, which was caused by the crane (of project contractor EEI Corporation) that fell on its side as it moved to its next position. According to a Manila Bulletin report, the steel girder fell on several vehicles causing the death of motorcyclist Edison Visaga Paquibot and injuring others.
A view of the tripped crane. (photo source – Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)
The local police stated that the vehicles that got damaged by the steel girder include a Mitsubishi Adventure, a Toyota Vios taxis, a Hyundai H100, a Suzuki Raider motorcycle, a Yamaha Mio motorcycle and a Honda Beat motorcycle. The casualties were rushed to different hospitals for emergency treatment. Unsurprisingly, traffic along the East Service Road had to be closed off temporarily which complicated the flow of traffic.
Today, as published through the Facebook page of the City Government of Muntinlupa, San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang issued a personal apology and assured victims of the mishap that they will receive help. The published apology reads as follows:
Following the freak accident at the Skyway Extension project site in Cupang, Muntinlupa over the weekend, the head of concession holder San Miguel Corporation (SMC) issued an apology to the victims and assured them that the company would make sure all their needs would be taken care of, and more.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that even while project contractor EEI Corporation was the one handling the construction of the project, as project proponent, SMC has a responsibility to take care of the victims.
“Even with a contractor handling construction, ultimately, we are responsible for the welfare of those who were affected. I would like to personally apologize to the victims and their families, as well as to our larger community in Muntinlupa,” Ang said.
The accident, reported to have been caused by a crane that tipped over as it moved into position, which then hit a steel girder causing it to fall on six vehicles, resulted in one fatality and four injuries.
“This terrible and tragic accident has affected me in ways I can’t even begin to express. I have not stopped thinking about the people who were affected, the four that were injured and most especially, the person who perished, and his family. There are no words that can ease the grief of losing a loved one,” Ang said.
“To the family, I can only offer my sincerest and deepest condolences, and my personal assurance that your family will be taken care of. To those who were injured, please be assured we will provide all the means necessary for you to recover and restart,” he added.
Ang also vowed that the incident will be investigated thoroughly, and that SMC and its contractor EEI will make sure even stricter measures are in place at the project site.
“In a project of this magnitude and scale, there are many redundant safety measures in place. Unfortunately, we can’t predict every outcome, and I’m sure no one wanted this to happen,” Ang said.
“Regardless, we are working with authorities to determine the root cause of this incident. We will find out where lapses occurred and do whatever is necessary to help make sure they don’t happen again.”
Source: SMC Media Affairs
One of the many vehicles that got damaged badly by the fallen steel girder. (photo source – Muntinlupa City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office)
For its part, contractor EEI management made assurances that they will take care of all the needs of those who were affected.
At this point of time, motorists who planned to travel north via the Skyway Extension Project will either have to wait until February 2021 or adjust their travel plans.
Come back here for the next update about the Skyway.
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A portion of the northbound extension of the Skyway within Muntinlupa City. (source – Ramon S. Ang Facebook page)
“We are on track to deliver the northbound section of the Skyway Extension project by December, and with this, motorists from the south can easily access Makati, Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway,” said San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang in a press statement.
To put things in perspective, SMC fully funded the project with P10 billion and it is designed to extend the Skyway from Susana Heights on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat and back, and provide direct access to the elevated section of the Skyway. The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway (MCX) will get connected to the Skyway at Susana Heights which will bypass Alabang and should result seamless and shorter travel from south to north via the Skyway system.
“Under normal Metro Manila conditions, you will be lucky if you can get from SLEX to the North Luzon Expressway in under three hours. You would have to pass through traffic gridlocks in Alabang, Magallanes, practically the whole of EDSA, or various areas through Manila. With the Skyway Extension and the completed Skyway 3, you can get there in 30 minutes without stopping,” Ang further elaborated.
In addition, motorists coming from the provinces of Cavite, Laguna and Batangas will be able to bypass Alabang which should also ease traffic in Muntinlupa as well as along Alabang-Zapote road.
At this point of time, things are really looking very good as far as Luzon highways and Metro Manila travel are concerned. Being able to travel from Alabang to north of Metro Manila and back with much faster speed and much less stress is something I have always dreamed of. That old dream will soon be realized! Keep an eye on the Skyway and the completion of the extension.
In ending this article, watch and enjoy this very recent Skyway update video.
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It is all out in the news here in the Philippines and it is the best piece of infrastructure and travel-related news for travelers, business stakeholders and other concern parties specifically here in Metro Manila and the communities outside its boundaries – San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s president and chief operation officer (COO) Ramon S. Ang announced the completion of the Skyway 3 project (AKA Skyway Stage 3) which is almost eighteen kilometers long. Right now, they are working on completing the finishing touches before formally opening it to the public.
Personally, I am happy for their achievement!
A great view of a portion of Skyway Stage 3. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)
For the newcomers reading this, the Skyway 3 project is composed of a 17.93 kilometer stretch that links the norther and southern parts of Luzon by means of a modern highway. More specifically, once the newly completed project finally opens, travel from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will take only twenty minutes which will be a major improvement from the average of 2-3 hours (without Skyway 3). It should be noted that the project was completed way before the October 31, 2020 target of completion.
“I’m happy to announce that the whole structure of Skyway 3 is now complete. With this, Skyway 2 in Buendia is now officially extended all the way to the North Luzon Expressway. After many challenges, this project faced in previous years, the dream of connecting north and south and providing an alternative to Edsa is now a reality,” Ang said in a press statement released on October 13.
As mentioned earlier, I am happy for the completion of Skyway 3 and soon it will finally be opened to public motorists (who can afford to pay the eventual toll fees). Each year for the past several years, I travel from Alabang to Clark and Subic Bay to attend important events. During those times, it was a struggle to move from south to north and back WITHOUT Skyway 3. The traffic along EDSA (which passes through different Metro Manila cities and on the maze of roads within the City of Manila were often bad, time-consuming and unpredictable.
Another stretch of Skyway Stage 3 over water. (source – Mark Villar Facebook page)
With Skyway Stage 3, travel between SLEX and NLEX will be much faster. It is stated in the press statement that travel from Magallanes to Balintawak will only take about 15 minutes, Balintawak to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) also only 15 minutes, and Valenzuela to Makati in just 10 minutes. As for people from the cities of Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque and even further south from Laguna province who need to travel to Subic Bay faster in the near future, imagine going north using the SLEX, then the Skyway (in the south) moving through the metropolis in quick fashion to reach the NLEX thanks to Skyway 3’s stretch and then take the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) to get to Subic Bay faster than ever before. Travelers from Cavite province will also benefit from the improved access and travel too since their province has highways that connect to the SLEX. Really, a lot of people, especially families business people who need to travel within Metro Manila and those who want to go further north or south will really benefit from the eventual operation of Skyway 3 not for just a year but in the years to come.
From this point on, watch out for SMC’s announcement of the formal opening of Skyway 3. Congratulations to SMC and their strategic partners for their accomplishment! Thank the Lord in Heaven also for making big dreams a reality!
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Author Carlo Carrasco 