Muntinlupa gov’t asks Skyway extension proponents to submit traffic, construction plans

From news.mb.com.ph by Jonathan Hicap:

The Muntinlupa City government has asked the operator and contractor of the Skyway Extension Project to coordinate with the city regarding traffic advisories, and submit construction timetable plans in order to properly manage traffic, especially around the Alabang viaduct area.

Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) chief Danidon Nolasco told Manila Bulletin that he held a meeting with representatives from operator Skyway O&M Corp. and project contractor EEI Corp. on Dec. 10 after commuters and motorists suffered gridlock when Skyway decided to close the Alabang-Zapote ramp of the Skyway during certain hours starting on Dec. 9.

In addition, Skyway closed the temporary toll plaza adjacent to Amkor-Anam on East Service Road in Muntinlupa on Dec. 7 and motorists have to use the Sucat toll plaza to enter the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Nolasco told the representatives of the two firms that they should have properly coordinated with the city government when they decided to implement the closures.

He asked them to issue traffic advisory related to the extension project at least one week before implementation and coordinate with the city on this so the MTMB can devise plans to manage traffic especially under the busy Alabang viaduct area.

Thousands of motorists pass daily through the Alabang viaduct area coming from the south including Laguna, Batangas, and Cavite.

Currently, Skyway O&M Corp. uses Twitter to issue traffic advisory but Nolasco said this is not enough since many people don’t use social media. He told the company that it should use other means including using tarpaulins or billboards to announce any changes in traffic schemes because of the construction of the extension project.

Nolasco said without the extension project, traffic in Alabang is manageable. The construction of the project under the Alabang viaduct will start in January and it is expected that this will worsen traffic in the area.

He told the representatives when the construction starts, they should deploy their own traffic enforcers within a 1 kilometer radius including under the Alabang viaduct.

Skyway opened on Dec. 1 a two-lane new ramp to Skyway for Class 1 RFID cars and three lanes at Skyway at-grade northbound.

On Dec. 18, a meeting of stakeholders including Skyway and EEI reps, public transport groups and companies affected by the project will be held at the Muntinlupa City hall to discuss the extension project.

The Skyway extension project seeks to widen the South Luzon Expressway and connect Skyway up to Susana Heights in Muntinlupa.

It is expected to be finished by the fourth quarter of 2020.