Manila: The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (SS3) section that will connect the Skyway system to the North Luzon Expressway-South Luzon Expressway (NLEX-SLEX) Connector is set to begin operation next year, according to Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez. Once completed, this section is expected to significantly enhance travel between the northern and southern regions of Metro Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, during a media interview on the sidelines of the inspection of the SS3 project site in Pandacan, Manila, Lopez stated that the SS3 Section 2a will cut travel time between Skyway and Buendia from two hours to approximately 30 minutes, while the journey from Skyway to Buendia up to Port Area will take around 25 minutes. Lopez emphasized that these improvements align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to reduce travel time, allowing more time to be spent with family instead of being stuck in traffic congestion.
The new section of the Skyway is a 1.2-kilometer, 2x2 elevated lane interconnection structure, designed to serve as an alternate route for traffic traversing R-10, Altura, Espa±a, and Araneta. Once operational, it is projected to accommodate an estimated 30,000 vehicles daily. The construction and right-of-way acquisition for the project began six years ago, in partnership with San Miguel Corporation.
In addition to the infrastructure updates, Lopez announced in a press conference in Malaca±ang a deal with toll operators to offer toll discounts to Class 3 vehicles, including trucks and buses, as a measure to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. He noted that buses could save between PHP5 to PHP7, and for a consumption of 100 liters, savings could reach PHP7,000. Furthermore, the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are considering reducing land and take-off fees during the holy week as part of broader efforts to alleviate the effects of rising oil prices in the transportation sector.