The Skyway Stage 2’s Sucat-Bicutan section could be finished before the year ends, according to the latest reports released by project proponent Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CMMTC) on September 25, 2010.

The Stage 2 team has already completed laying the first of two layers of asphalt on 68 spans of the elevated portion between Bicutan and Sucat, with only a few remaining spans still being concreted. Ancillary works, such as installation of the side and curb medians, electrical conduits and drainage system, are also ongoing.

The Sucat Ramp Toll Plaza is also nearing completion. With the deck slab support for the Sucat on/off ramps already in place and the retaining wall under construction, main contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) started concreting activities on the ramps. Asphalting of the ramps is expected to start in October. Afterwards, the parapets, railings, side and median curbs, electrical and drainage systems, and toll plazas will be installed.

Barring any unforeseen issues and challenges, CMMTC and DMCI is confident of achieving its second milestone of completing the Sucat-Bicutan section by December 2010.

CMMTC and DMCI also announced that only 25% of construction activities must be done to complete Stage 2, with still eight months to go on its original 24-month schedule which is slated to end on May 2011.

The team hit 75% completion status this September after the large strides it made with the fabrication and installation of girders in the Sucat area, particularly the span straddling Sucat Bridge and the ramps going to and from Dr. A. Santos Avenue. Work on the foundation system of the Alabang slip ramps and on/off ramps also continued, despite some prolonged concerns over the relocation of the facilities of relocation companies.

Team Stage 2 team is also completing the deck slab support on the Sucat-Alabang section, particularly in the area that will support the Skyway’s Main Toll Plaza. CMMTC and DMCI are proceeding with construction of pierheads in the Alabang-Sucat section crossing the tollway and the service roads. DMCI uses steel formworks and beams that will limit the vertical clearance at the area to 4.3 meters, still .03 meters more than what the Department of Public Works and Highways requires.

In order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at the area, CMMTC is advising all trucking, logistics and transportation companies and other concerned entities that all vehicles over 4.27 meters tall to avoid passing through the Sucat-Alabang elevated section of the Skyway System and on the East and West Service Roads. Vehicles higher than 4.27 meters cannot pass underneath the pierheads being constructed and will be trapped inside the tollway, causing a bottleneck in the area and delaying other motorists. The construction of these pierheads is expected to be completed by December 2010.

CMMTC and Skyway operator, Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO) has installed advisory signages in all tollway entry points. CMMTC wishes to apologize for this inconvenience, and assures those affected that the height clearance will surpass standard requirements by almost 1.0 meter once this activity is over.