MANILA, Philippines — The construction of the stalled interconnection segment of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 is expected to be completed by the middle of next year after right-of-way issues have been resolved, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said on Wednesday.
Dizon made this statement as he, together with Transport chief Giovanni Lopez, and Toll and Regulatory Board director Jay Art Tugade inspected the 1.2-kilometer structure in Pandacan, Manila, which aims to connect the Skyway and the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway Connector Road.
READ: SMC to start charging tolls on Skyway 3 on July 12
Dizon noted that the right-of-way acquisition delayed the construction of the connector, which was stalled for six years.
“San Miguel [Corporation] and Metro Pacific [Tollways] commitment to us is to complete this by the first or second quarter by the middle of next year and this will bring convenience to the travellers both going north and south,” Dizon told reporters in an interview.
Dizon also said that during his time as the Transport secretary last year, the right of way acquisition progress was only at 60%. He noted that the SMC as the private operator could not begin its construction unless the acquisition rate is at 80%.
“So finally we are at 98%, so PBBM [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] said that this must be completed and finally we resolved the right-of-way acquisition early last year,” Dizon added.
Dizon then shared that the government and the SMC became patient in discussing right-of-way issues to the individuals and properties involved.
READ: Skyway Stage 3 closed indefinitely starting at 5 p.m. on March 16
In the same interview, Lopez said that the connector is expected to benefit around 30,000 motorists daily. He noted that the interconnection structure will lessen travel time from Buendia to Port Area and Buendia to Valenzuela from two hours to just 25 to 30 minutes.
“The President said that we have to cut travel time so the extra time spent in traffic can now be spent with our families,” Lopez said.
“Our projection is that around 30,000 vehicles will benefit from here daily,” Lopez added.
The 18-kilometer Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway opened its seven lanes in January 2021. The project was built and financed by the SMC. /mr