MMDA orders Skyway firm: Solve SLEX gridlock

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando yesterday gave the proponents of the South Metro Manila Skyway Project (SMMSP) until Sunday to ease traffic along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Fernando issued the ultimatum after he and the officials of Skyway O and M Corp. (SOMCO) and DMCI Holdings, Inc. inspected the ongoing construction of Skyway’s Stage 2 project.

“We have given the Skyway and the project builder until Sunday to implement measures to somehow ease the traffic flow in this area. President (Arroyo) is very concerned and she wants something done about this problem as soon as possible,” he said.

­Fernando said the MMDA has been flooded with complaints due to the monstrous traffic gridlock experienced daily by motorists traveling through SLEX.

Skyway O&M operates and maintains the Skyway while DMCI is the contractor of the P10-billion Stage 2 project, which will extend the elevated portion of the Skyway from Bicutan to Alabang.

Fernando noted that the north and southbound lanes of SLEX have narrowed down to just two lanes due to the barriers and scaffoldings at the center island worksite.       

He asked SOMCO and DMCI officials to move back the barriers on both sides of the SLEX to free up some space and add one more lane to the constricted highway.

Fernando said the MMDA will be forced to remove and strip down the barriers and fences along the construction site in SLEX should the Skyway management fail to implement measures needed to ease traffic in the area.

SOMCO head of operations Eduardo Nepomuceno said Fernando’s request is doable.   – Jose Rodel Clapano