DPWH reports completion of Skyway Stage 3 ahead of schedule

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), is proud to report that one of the big-ticket projects of the Philippine government has finally been completed ahead of schedule.

The Skyway Stage 3, which connects both northern and southern expressways for light vehicles is now complete. The project now only requires final touches like asphalt overlay, painting and lighting, setting up toll booths, and final inspections.

The Philippine government’s Build, Build, Build chairperson, Anna Mae Yu Lamentillo, has shared that before this administration, the Skyway project was only at 11% completion and was already 3 years delayed.

Now, after only 4 years, the 18-kilometer elevated expressway is finally complete and ahead of schedule.

“When Sec. Mark took over the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project — it was already delayed for three years. The project accomplishment was only at 11%. There was a gridlock on the right of way acquisition. The original alignment which was approved in 2015 needed to be realigned along the San Juan River and extended to connect to NLEX. Can’t believe that after almost four years, the 18-km expressway is now complete. Soon, travel time from NLEX to SLEX will be reduced from 2 hours to only 30 minutes. Makati to QC? 20 minutes nalang.”

2020 opening

While it was originally scheduled to be completed this year, tragedy struck early in February as a fire that engulfed a nearby warehouse in Padacan, Manila, caused a section of the structure to collapse. Construction works immediately commenced after reassessment of the damage but another tragedy struck and again halted construction activities, this time, the coronavirus pandemic.

After civil works were permitted again by the government, construction workers toiled day and night to finish the project before the new opening date of December 2020.