SLEX, Skyway postpones Oct. 14 implementation of window hours for trucks

MANILA, Philippines – Skyway Operations and Maintenance Corporation (SOMCO) on Friday announced it has postponed the planned implementation of window hours for trucks coming from Southern Luzon to Metro Manila.
SOMCO earlier said that Manila-bound trucks will only be limited to midday trips via the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and STAR Toll Plaza beginning Monday, Oct. 14, in a bid to ease heavy traffic in the area.
The toll operator previously announced that trucks can only pass through the SLEX between 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and between 9:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. For the STAR Tollway, trucks may pass from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and between 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Manuel Bonoan, president of SOMCO, explained that they decided to defer the implementation of window hours to refine the policy for sectors involved.
“May mga truckers kasi who have been asking reconsideration for ‘yung signages namin kasi there are trucks coming from the south na actually do not reach Alabang viaduct, irerefine lang namin siguro yung mga signanes sa mga toll plazas namin,” Bonoan told UNTV News in a phone interview.
The planned implementation of window hours for trucks comes amid heavier traffic flow towards the metro due to ongoing construction of a ramp extension.
This week, the toll operator imposed one-way traffic at the east service road northbound from Alabang to Sucat Interchange to give way for the construction of the at-grade portion of an extended Skyway ramp, seen to be completed next month.
The traffic jam along the expressway has prompted some lawmakers to call for the suspension or reduction of toll rates at SLEX to provide relief to motorists.
According to Julius Corpuz, spokesperson for the Toll Regulatory Board, the proposal has been forwarded to the toll operator for discussion.
“Naipaabot na po natin yan sa management ng ating project concessionaire at ganun din siguro sila tinitignan nila kung ano yung posibilidad tungkol dyan sa panukalang magkaroon muna ng toll fee reduction or suspension dito sa SLEX,” he said.
SOMCO said the construction is being fast-tracked to avoid further congestions during the holiday season.
A portion of the project is expected to be completed by November while the entire Skyway extension is seen to be finished by the last quarter of 2020. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Joan Nano)