Metro Manila Skyway from Buendia, Makati to Plaza Dilao, Manila is Now Open

The wait is finally over. Part of the newly-elevated portion of the Metro Manila Skyway is already open. Now, commuters going from Buendia in Makati to Paco, Manila exiting via the Plaza Dilao Ramp can make full use of the infrastructure starting today.

The expressway's 3.7-kilometer stretch, which stretches from Buendia to Plaza Dilao, is expected to lessen traffic in Buendia and its nearby vicinities.

"To ease traffic congestion in Buendia, we are opening two lanes, one of the northbound and southbound section. The 3.7-km elevated highways expand from Buendia to Plaza Dilao," said Department of Public Works and Highways Mark Villar.

He also said that a maximum speed of 40 kph will be maintained along the main viaduct, while 20 kph at the ramps will be enforced. After its opening, there will be no toll fee for a while, and trucks will not be allowed to use the newly-opened portion for now, Villar added.

Meanwhile, the target completion date for the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 is expected to be on the first quarter of 2020. According to Manila Bulletin, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 is about 60 percent completed. DPWH plans to finish around 95 percent of the entire alignment by the end of the year.

Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3

Considered one of the major 'Build, Build, Build' projects of President Rodrigo Dueterte's administration, the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 is an 18.68-kilometer elevated expressway from Buendia in Makati City to Balintawak, Quezon City. Its goal is to connect the South Luzon Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway, and reduce travel time from Buendia, Makati to Balintawak, Quezon City from two hours to 15 to 20 minutes.