Skyway advisory out for Pope visit

MANILA, Philippines—The operators of Skyway announced the closure of elevated portions of the expressway at certain hours today and on Monday in connection with the visit of Pope Francis.

Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corp. (Somco) advised motorists to instead use the at-grade sections or take alternative routes when the north and southbound lanes are closed for two periods—from 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.—on Jan. 17.

This is to give way to the preparations and security measures related to the Pope’s domestic flights at Villamor Air Base. He is scheduled to fly today from Manila to Tacloban City around 8:15 a.m. and be back in the capital around 6:15 p.m.

On Jan. 19, Skyway’s elevated section will again be closed from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for the Pope’s 10 a.m. return flight to Rome.

The at-grade portion from Alabang to Magallanes will remain operational throughout the papal visit, Somco said.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier announced that the Pope’s movement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila to Villamor would require the closure of Taft Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Osmeña Highway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Magallanes and Sales Bridge.

Roxas Boulevard, Naia Road, Domestic Road and Andrews Avenue will also be closed to traffic as they will be used by the secondary delegation of the Pope, according to MMDA chair Francis Tolentino.