P 10-B SKYWAY EXTENSION FACES DELAY

San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) P10-billion Skyway extension project in southern Metro Manila will be delayed as construction activities were stalled by the enhanced community quarantine.

SMC said construction had restarted at a steady pace while safety protocols were imposed on May 15.

“The project’s original target completion date was December 2020, but the two-month delay is likely to push this back a little,” it said.

As it ramps up activity at the Skyway extension project, SMC said the Skyway Alabang Toll Plaza Southbound Entry would be closed from May 31 to June 15.

Skyway management also closed about 700 meters of Lane 3 of the Skyway At-grade section northbound from the old Alabang Entry Plaza.

The one-month closure enabled workers to install scaffoldings to build the columns for Pier 34-49.

Due to the temporary closure, a new traffic scheme will be implemented with the help of the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau.

SMC said private cars were advised to take Filinvest Entry or National Road to Susana Heights Entry, while trucks and buses were told to take National Road to Susana Heights Entry.

“We’re asking for the public’s continued cooperation and kind understanding for any delays our work might cause,”

SMC president Ramon Ang said in a statement.

SMC said its contractor, EEI Corp., had also implemented safeguards amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

These include physical distancing, the use of face masks and gloves, providing hand sanitation, disinfecting facilities and on-site housing for workers.

The project will extend the Skyway from Susana Heights in South Luzon Expressway to Sucat and back and will provide direct access to the elevated section of the Skyway. With this, the project is seen to ease traffic to and from the south.

It will also increase the number of lanes on both directions to five northbound and four southbound.