Skyway operator, LGUs tackle traffic problems

In the past months, the traffic situation in most areas in Metro Manila, especially on major thoroughfares, has worsened partly due to inclement weather.

The situation has affected the areas near the Skyway System from Buendia to Alabang and even spilled over into the main alignment of the 29.7-kilometer elevated and at-grade sections of the toll road system.

As a result, Skyway O&M Corp. (Somco) officials recently held a meeting with representatives of the Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Taguig local governments and other stakeholders to inform them of the causes of the traffic problem in their areas and also to ask for their cooperation in finding solutions.

Somco president Manuel Bonoan, meanwhile, thanked those present during the meeting for their suggestions.

He noted that severely affected were the interchanges in Bicutan and Sucat, the West and East Service Roads and the main barangay (village) roads immediately outside the expressways like Doña Soledad Avenue, Lower Bicutan and Dr. A. Santos Avenue where the expressway traffic density is highest and numerous problems pose a challenge to Somco traffic teams.

These include potholes in the vicinity of the interchanges, which slow down traffic flow.

It has also been observed that local traffic ordinances on parking zones, U-turns, truck ban, number-coding scheme and truck weight limits are oftentimes ignored.