SMC’s Skyway 3 fully operational tomorrow

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. (SMC) will open all seven lanes of the 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway to motorists starting tomorrow and it will be toll-free until Jan. 29.

The entire road from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Alabang to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)will be opened to vehicular traffic beginning 5 a.m., according to the SMC.

It will be closed today for full inspection and pre-opening preparations, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said.

“Skyway 3 will remain toll-free until Jan. 29. We look forward to welcoming motorists, and letting them experience seamless travel,” the company said.

The Skyway management earlier decided to extend the night time closures of the expressway to give way to finishing work needed in time for the opening of all seven lanes.

The SMC opened an initial four lanes of the expressway on Dec. 29.

“We ask for the understanding of motorists, as we prepare to officially open Skyway 3,” the SMC said.

Skyway 3 will reduce travel time from SLEX to NLEX and vice versa, to only 30 minutes. It will also help decongest traffic along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, Villar said.— Christian Imperio