Skyway Extension Project Causes Heavy Northbound Traffic

Attention Southies! 

You might want to start setting your morning alarms earlier because a heavy traffic situation is expected along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in areas of Alabang and San Pedro City, Laguna until 2020.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC)’s recent construction of the Skyway Extension Project at SLEX aims to extend the existing South Metro Manila Skyway System by providing direct access from Susana Heights to Sucat.

Currently, the Skyway At-grade ends in Alabang.

Also read: Expats’ Guide to Expressways in the Philippines

Skyway Route Map / IMAGE Skyway O&M Corporation

The project includes the construction of two convertible and three additional lanes at SLEX and a connecting ramp from Alabang viaduct to Skyway Main Toll Plaza for the northbound lane.

As for the southbound lane, two additional lanes will be constructed at Skyway Main Toll Plaza in Sucat after Filinvest Exit.

The construction started in June and is targeted to be completed on December 2020.

However, said project has been receiving negative comments from motorists and commuters bound to Metro Manila.

‘Carmageddon’

Last September 25, motorists and commuters were welcomed by heavy traffic at SLEX due to the 3rd lane closure at the northbound lane to Alabang viaduct.

Private vehicles, buses, and trucks were stuck along SLEX for more than one hour—an unusual traffic situation for most South people who frequently pass by the expressway going to Metro Manila.

Motorists took their rage to social media, expressing the inconvenience caused by sudden lane closure. It resulted in what seems like an endless trail of vehicles with the tail end going as far as Santa Rosa, Laguna, which lasted for the whole day.

The traffic chaos is expected to last until next year. Additionally, the public has been warned of the traffic that could worsen through the months, especially once the beams and posts are to be attached. 

Also read: NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project to Link C3 Road Caloocan to Santa Mesa and Skyway Stage 3

Alternate routes

To avoid the impending traffic, it is advisable to look for possible alternate routes going to the Metro.

Instead of driving through Susana Heights, you may opt to take the Manila S Road going to Star Mall Alabang. From that point, you can enter SLEX at Alabang Toll Plaza.

Instead of taking the Susana Heights entrance of SLEX, the Manila S Road is an alternative route going to Alabang without going through Alabang viaduct

From Manila S Road, enter SLEX through Alabang Toll Plaza

The Muntinlupa City Government, with the help of San Miguel Corporation Tollway, will also implement a one-way traffic scheme on the East Service Road of SLEX effective before October 15 in the hopes to ease traffic.

Also read: Traffic Update Portals Where You Can Get Metro Manila Traffic Information

In a statement released by SLEX, they are requesting for more patience from the public for the inconvenience caused by the project.

The management advised motorists and commuters to plan their trips with at least one to two hours of lead time.

#Skyway #SLEX #SMCTollways pic.twitter.com/8lrBAEGYKI

— SLEX – MaTES (@OfficialSLEX) October 1, 2019

Meanwhile, they assured that the early completion of the project will ease the traffic situation and provide safety and convenience in the long run.

For realtime updates on the traffic situation in SLEX, you may visit their Twitter page at @OfficialSLEX.

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Source: SLEX, City Government of Muntinlupa