SMC Tollways—the operator of Skyway, NAIAX, SLEX and STAR in the south—said that its contingency plans will be in place a full week before the expected surge to the provinces of vehicles from Metro Manila during Holy Week. Similar contingency plans will also be laid out in TPLEX in the north.
Approximately 10 percent increase in vehicle volume is expected during the Lenten season.
Manuel M. Bonoan, president of the operations and management companies of Skyway, NAIAX, SLEX and STAR, said that “this is to assure our travelers that the ride along the tollways will be smooth and safe.”
As early as the first weekend of April, enhanced traffic management measures will be implemented including the fielding of additional ambulant tellers and traffic patrol teams, specifically in areas where heavy volume is expected. “All field personnel will be required to be on standby and not go on leave or vacation,” Bonoan added. “All road works will also be suspended.”
Alec C. Cruz, head of operations of SMC Tollways, added that temporary toll collection booths will be installed to speed up transaction time at the toll plazas.
In partnership with Petron Lakbay Alalay, Motorist Assistance Stations will also be set up at the following areas: : TPLEX – Petron KM 134 Northbound and Southbound and at the TPLEX Toll Operations Compound Northbound; Skyway—C5 and Merville Southbound, Sucat Lay-by At-grade Northbound; SLEX – San Pedro Gas Station Southbound, KM 44 Petron Gas Station Southbound, and KM 44 Petron Gas Station Northbound; and STAR—Petron Malvar Southbound and Malainin Lay-by KM 92 Southbound, Petron Lipa Northbound and Lapu-Lapu Lay-by KM 90 Northbound.
Meanwhile, heavy volume is expected in the following areas:
TPLEX Northbound: April 17 (Wednesday) —April 19 (Friday) in Tarlac Central Toll Plaza, Urdaneta Toll Plaza, Pozorrubio-MacArthur T-intersection, Binalonan Toll Plaza, and Pozorrubio Toll Plaza; TPLEX Southbound: April 21 (Sunday) —April 22 (Monday) in Tarlac Central Toll Plaza, Urdaneta Toll Plaza, Pozorrubio-MacArthur T-intersection, Binalonan Toll Plaza, and Pozorrubio Toll Plaza; Skyway (At-grade) Southbound: April 16 (PM Tuesday), 17 (PM Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in C5- Alabang At-Grade; Skyway (At-grade) Northbound: April 21 (Sunday)—April 22 (Monday) in Alabang Viaduct to Skyway On Ramp (Skyway Main Plaza B); Skyway (Elevated) Southbound: April 17 (PM Wednesday) in Amorsolo to Magallanes Area; NAIAX Westbound: April 17 (PM Wednesday) —April 20 (Saturday) in NAIAX Main Toll Plaza B; NAIAX Eastbound: April 17 (PM Wednesday) —April 20 (Saturday) in NAIAX Main Toll Plaza A; SLEX Southbound: April 17 (PM Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in Calamba Toll Plaza A and B, Carmona, Sta. Rosa, Eton-ABI Exits, Cabuyao, and Ayala Toll Plaza; SLEX Northbound: April 21 (Sunday)—April 22 (Monday) in Ayala Toll Plaza, Calamba Toll Plaza Entry, Exits in Filinvest and Alabang Viaduct; STAR Tollway Southbound: April 17 (PM Wednesday), 18 (Thursday), and 20 (Saturday) in Sto. Tomas Entry, Lipa Toll Plaza, Balagtas Toll Plaza, Sto. Toribio, and Ibaan-San Jose Interchange; and at STAR Tollway Northbound: April 21 (Sunday)—April 22 (AM Monday) in Toll Plazas in Sto. Tomas.
Android and Apple users can download the traffic navigator app, Southern Tollways or visit www.southerntollways.com. They can also check the official Twitter accounts of Skyway (@SkywaySOMCO) and SLEX (@OfficialSLEX).
For 24/7 emergency assistance and traffic updates, motorists may contact the following hotline numbers: For Skyway, NAIAX, SLEX, and STAR: (02) 318-TOLL (8655). Other contact numbers: Skyway: Globe – 0917-539-8762, Smart – 0999-886-0893, and Sun – 0932-854-6980.