San Miguel Corp. (SMC) opened on Thursday two new ramps of the Skyway Stage 3, providing better accessibility on the 18-kilometer expressway that runs through major cities in Metro Manila.
The company opened the A. Bonifacio northbound off-ramp, just before the Cloverleaf Mall in Balintawak, and the E. Rodriguez southbound off-ramp on Araneta Ave., which also provides access to España.
“Our Skyway 3 engineers and construction personnel worked double time to be able to open these two new ramps, better serve motorists, and provide them seamless and convenient travel,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang said.
He added that with the opening of these ramps, those who are coming from Alabang, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Pasay, or Makati will no longer have to take Edsa in order to get to Balintawak.
Those coming from the North Luzon Expressway (Nlex) may also opt to take the E. Rodriguez ramp to get to Quezon City.
Ang said his group is awaiting the full completion of the right-of-way delivery to deliver the other access ramps.
“Despite delays, we’re excited for the next access points to be opened soon. For northbound motorists, next to be opened will be the Quirino Entry, Nagtahan Entry, Nagtahan Exit, E. Rodriguez Entry, and C3 Exit. For southbound, we will soon open the C3 Entry, C3 Exit, A. Bonifacio Entry, Plaza Dilao Exit, and Nagtahan Exit,” Ang said.
Once all of these access points are opened, he claimed, traffic in many parts of Metro Manila “will be virtually a thing of the past.”
“People will be able to get from one place to another within the city much faster and easier, without the stress. And because of this, our main thoroughfares and city streets will also be decongested, making travel for those not using the expressway better as well,” Ang said.
Skyway Stage 3, which officially opened last January 14, was built and fully-funded by SMC. With Skyway 3, motorists are now able to bypass Edsa and other busy streets and enjoy travel time from Buendia to Balintawak in just 20 minutes, and Alabang to Balintawak in only 30 minutes.
