Firms to be affected by Skyway 3, other projects urged to adopt flexitime

MANILA, Philippines–Private companies located near the areas that would be affected by roadway construction projects, including the  Skyway Stage 3, were advised Thursday to adopt “flexitime” working hours for their employees.

Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) made the call in view of the construction of massive infrastructure projects that would be started soon.

The completion of the eight projects would take more than two years, according to the MMDA.

“This is a construction of massive proportion that would last for 32 months. Building this alternative highway is expected to create
traffic problems so everyone should make adjustments,” Tolentino said.

Aside from Skyway Stage 3, he pointed out that several road and infrastructure projects are lined up to start this year “inevitably causing inconvenience,” such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport elevated expressway, Sta. Monica to Lawton Bridge, Makati Avenue underpass, and the Pasay to Taft flyover, among others.

Skyway Stage 3, a 14.8-kilometer six-lane elevated expressway, will complete the Skyway system from Alabang to Balintawak and will connect the South Luzon Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway. Its construction will start in April and would end in June 2016.

Adjust lifestyle

Tolentino also urged Metro Manila private motorists and commuters to make adjustments in their work and travel schedules and personal lifestyles to cope with the expected traffic congestion in Metro Manila to be brought about by the impending construction of Skyway Stage 3 project.

Tolentino said the MMDA has launched a campaign called “Roadways Construction Lifestyle Adjustment.”

Unless important, residents, commuters and motorists were advised to limit their movements within their respective localities and plan their travel efficiently as “these will redound to lesser volume of vehicles and pedestrians in the streets.”

“If you’re a Pasay resident, don’t go to Quezon City just to watch movies. We should plan our trips ahead so as not to contribute to traffic congestion and also for our own convenience,” Tolentino said.

“What we need is extra huge amount of patience and understanding and cooperation but once Skyway 3 is completed, it will result in faster and more convenient travel within the metropolis,” he added.

Tolentino said the MMDA would lead a traffic summit on the first week of February to draft a comprehensive traffic management plan for the entire Metro Manila for the duration of the construction period.

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