Skyway operator Skyway O&M Corporation (SOMCO) gears up for the rush of motorists who will go to places south of Metro Manila during Holy Week starting on Holy Wednesday, April 20, and return to Manila on Sunday or Monday, April 24 or 25.

SOMCO, in partnership with Petron Corp., will implement “Lakbay Alalay 2011” to address the anticipated increase in traffic volume at the Skyway System’s at-grade and elevated sections from Makati  to Alabang and provide security and assistance to distressed motorists. “Lakbay Alalay” stations in Nichols, C-5 and Sucat will operate from 12 noon to 9 p.m. on April 20, from 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on April 21-24, and from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on April 25. SOMCO will beef up its operations in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police-NCRPO, local police stations units, Lifeline Rescue, the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), and radio communication groups. SOMCO will deploy additional traffic personnel, AAP will station tow trucks in strategic locations of the tollway, and the Lifeline Arrows medical team will be ready to respond to any emergency.

As previously announced, motorists can continue to enjoy toll-free use  of the elevated Bicutan-Alabang section up to April 20, 2011, which was opened to traffic last April 6, 2011, while toll rates on the Skyway’s  Buendia-Bicutan section remain at Php85 and Php 170 for Class 1 and Class 2 vehicles, respectively.  This is expected to create a balanced distribution of traffic on the at-grade and elevated sections,  and thus,  prevent congestion in any part of the Skyway System.

Meanwhile,  the temporary on and off ramps which used to connect the Skyway elevated and at-grade sections in the Bicutan area are now closed to traffic. This is to allow Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CMMTC) and its contractor,  D.M. Consunji Inc. to start the removal of the temporary on/off ramps in order to restore the outer lanes along the Bicutan at-grade section and make the at-grade stretch from two lanes to three lanes. Motorists are also advised to drive safely when approaching the old  Skyway Toll Plazas which are no longer in operation.

In anticipation of Holy Week heavy traffic,   SOMCO reminds motorists to ensure their vehicle’s roadworthiness for their own safety and convenience and those of other motorists. To ask for assistance or report stalled vehicles or unusual incidents, motorists can  call the Skyway System hotline at 776-7777.