SMC fast-tracking Skyway Extension project

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. is fast-tracking work on the Skyway Extension project, with the southbound section eyed for completion a month earlier than previously scheduled, SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said yesterday.

Ang said the project’s southbound section from Sucat, Parañaque to Susana Heights along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) would be opened by June. It was previously targeted to be finished by July.

The northbound section from Susana Heights to Sucat, which was scheduled for completion last December, will open on March 30.

The Skyway Extension project is a key feature of the 38-kilometer elevated Skyway system.

The project extends the elevated expressway from Skyway main line toll plaza in Sucat to SLEX and back, providing motorists a direct link to Skyway 1 and 2 and 3.

It will add three lanes going north and two lanes going south.

Once completed, the SMC said the Skyway Extension would make travel to and from southern Metro Manila and southern Luzon provinces faster and convenient, especially with the Skyway Stage 3 from Buendia, Makati to the North Luzon Expressway, providing seamless connection to the north.

Road closures

With work on the southbound section about to enter the advanced phase, the SMC advised motorists to take alternative routes with the closure of the Alabang southbound exit toll plaza beside the Alabang viaduct starting midnight of Feb. 20.

The company said Class 1 vehicles headed to Alabang or Alabang-Zapote Road may take Filinvest Exit Toll Plaza. Class 1, 2 and 3 vehicles bound for Alabang, Putatan and National Road may take the Susana Exit Toll Plaza, turn right to Susana Heights Avenue and turn either left or right on the National Road.

The SMC advised motorists to brace for traffic jams in the area because of the construction work, which will include the installation of girders, coping beams and pre-cast slabs.