Skyway Extension northbound opens: SLEX-Balintawak possible in 30 minutes

The northbound segment of the Skyway Extension project is now open for motorists, potentially easing traffic along major thoroughfares in the metro such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and EDSA.

The Skyway Extension northbound segment can now be used by motorists

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar conducted a final ocular inspection of the elevated tollway along with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang, prior to formally opening the tollway at 4 p.m. on Sunday. SMC holds the concession to operate the tollway.

The opening is on track with the company’s projections that the infrastructure will be functional by the first quarter of 2021, connecting Susana Heights in Alabang to Sucat in Paranaque. Spanning almost four kilometers in length and featuring three lanes, the Skyway Extension is seen to accommodate an additional 4,500 vehicles on an hourly basis, significantly reducing traffic buildup by enabling motorists to avoid the Alabang viaduct.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar and SMC boss Ramon Ang conduct a final ocular inspection

“You can be at NLEX in 25-30 minutes instead of two or three hours, and bypass the usual traffic chokepoints such as Alabang, Magallanes, and EDSA,” explained Ang. “This will be a big relief to so many motorists and will do a lot to ease traffic in southern Metro Manila, including on public roads leading to SLEX and Skyway.”    

The project complements the recently opened Skyway Stage 3, also operated by SMC, connecting Bicutan in Taguig and Balintawak, Quezon City. Motorists coming from SLEX and MCX can traverse the ramp at Susana Heights, directly reaching Makati City, Manila, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway.

The Skyway Extension complements the Skyway Stage 3 as part of traffic management efforts 
 

Travelers have had to endure heavy traffic along SLEX during the project’s construction, which commenced in August 2019. Originally set to be completed in December 2020, the roadway’s opening was delayed due to COVID-19. An accident in November 2020 where a steel girder fell from one of the cranes used claimed one victim and injured four others.  

Meanwhile, the southbound portion of the Skyway Extension project is at 52.31 percent completion, with a target completion date of July 2021.

Find more traffic updates at Philkotse.com.