SKYWAY SUCAT-ALABANG SECTION: Fresh from completing the Skyway extension to Sucat, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation and D.M. Consunji, Inc. are now rushing to complete the main road superstructure of the Skyway extension to Alabang, a portion of which has already been concreted as shown on photo above. When completed, travel on the entire 16.5-kilometer Skyway from Alabang to Buendia will take less than 12 minutes.

In their bid to complete the remaining phase of the Skyway Stage 2 project from Sucat to Alabang before the May 2011 target schedule, project developer Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CMMTC), and its contractor, D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI), are now rushing their work on the road superstructure, of which a considerable length has already been completed (see photo); the slip on/off ramps in Alabang; and the 12-lane main toll plaza between Sucat and Alabang.

In preparation for the work on the remaining portion of the road superstructure,  CMMTC and DMCI are speeding up the installation of girders scheduled on January 19, 22 and 26, 2011 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day. While this activity does not normally disrupt traffic, CMMTC and Skyway System operator, Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO), advise motorists to drive safely and stay alert, or better yet, plan their trip during the said period.

Because of the formworks used in installing the girders, the vertical clearance remains at 4.3 meters. Thus, vehicles such as trailer vans that are higher than 4.27 meters will not be allowed to pass until after January 26, when the girder installation will be finished. By then, the usual tollway vertical clearance of five meters will be restored.

After its feat of completing the Skyway’s Bicutan-Sucat extension in November and opening it to traffic on December 15, 2010, CMMTC announced that it hit the 87 percent completion status for Skyway Stage 2 project before year-end 2010, and expressed confidence it will complete the entire project earlier than the target schedule of May 2011.

The Skyway Stage 2 project is the 6.88-kilometer elevated toll road from Bicutan to Alabang that extends the existing 9.5-kilometer Buendia-Bicutan section. When completed, travel on the 16.4-kilometer Skyway from Alabang to Buendia will take less than 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, CMMTC has also started last January 10 the upgrading of the Skyway toll collection facilities to enhance the integrity and efficiency of the toll system. This upgrading activity, which is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011, necessitates the closure of one lane each on pre-determined toll plazas from Nichols to Alabang/Filinvest for a maximum of two days. CMMTC and SOMCO are appealing to motorists for their understanding and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.