After opening Skyway Extension’s four-kilometer northbound section to the public last Sunday, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Wednesday, (April 14) announced it is fast-tracking the southbound section so it will be completed by third quarter this year.

“It’s only been a number of days since we opened the northbound section and already, we have seen a huge improvement in traffic flow, particularly on SLEX and the Alabang viaduct,” observed SMC President Ramon S. Ang.

“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,” he pledged.

The soft-opening of the first two lanes of the northbound Skyway Extension from Susana Heights to Sucat, Paranaque coincided with the easing of quarantine restrictions.

But 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 seeing how much faster travel is now, and it will become even more evident when traffic volume picks up and starts to normalize,” according to Ang.

However, as part of the next phase of construction, the Hillsborough off-ramp of the elevated southbound Skyway will be closed to traffic permanently starting April 19 at 6:00 am.

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,” Ang admitted.

“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.”

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,” the SMC President promised.

Because of the closures, SMC Infrastructure advised 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 4 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.

The Skyway system is seen as a game-changer for Metro Manila as it eases traffic congestion along major thoroughfares and provides a seamless link from the South Luzon Expressway to the North Luzon Expressway.