‘Carmageddon’ likely with opening of Skyway steel ramp, warns solon

SKYWAY EXTENSION Two elevated sections of the P10-billion Skyway extension project at Alabang viaduct across from Star Mall. The 6-kilometer extension will run from Kilometer 22 at South Luzon Expressway in Barangay Cupang to Barangay Putatan. —SCREENGRAB FROM VIDEO OF SKYWAY 0&M CORP

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Tuesday raised concern over the possible heavy traffic that may be caused by a temporary steel ramp being built to connect the Alabang viaduct to the Skyway once it starts operating on December 31.

During a hearing of the House Metro Manila development committee, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon brought up the issue pointing out that the provisional steel ramp might only transfer the gridlock to the Alabang-Zapote road while it is expected to ease traffic flow along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) while the Skyway extension is being constructed.

“To Skyway SLEX, this seems to be a good thing kasi mapapabilis nila ‘yung [traffic] along SLEX. But the fallout ay sa Alabang-Zapote road. It’s another set up for carmageddon. A tragic fallout of this development,” Biazon said.

(To Skyway SLEX, this seems to be a good thing because they could hasten the traffic along SLEX. But the fallout would be on Alabang-Zapote road. It’s another set up for carmageddon. A tragic fallout for this development.)

The Muntinlupa lawmaker also slammed the lack of cooperation between the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Skyway and SLEX, leaving motorists “surprised” and confused whenever new traffic schemes are being implemented.

It was revealed during the hearing that San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has not yet submitted its traffic plan for the project to MMDA. SMC is the company building the temporary ramp.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said it is his agency that adjusts necessary traffic routes whenever infrastructure projects are being constructed to – as much as possible – avoid traffic congestion in the area.

“Once na sinubmit niya sa amin ‘yan, gagawan natin ng best na traffic rerouting plan. Ima-maximize natin ‘yung available space para hindi masyadong mag-traffic,” Garcia said during the hearing.

(Once that plan is submitted to us, we do our best to come up with a traffic rerouting plan. We’d maximize available space so traffic flow won’t be too heavy.)

Garcia also pointed out that it is the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) that has authority over tollway firms in the implementation of new traffic schemes that could affect roads in Metro Manila.

For this matter, Biazon moved to compel TRB to respond to the issues raised during the hearing regarding the Skyway ramp, which was then approved by the committee.

“The issue is the lack of coordination by Skyway Corporation on the traffic management plans with the MMDA, the absence of submission of a traffic impact analysis on every move they do in relation to the development in the Skyway,” Biazon said.

Edited by KGA