DPWH is urging SMC to finish NAIAX before Christmas

The Department of Public Works and Highways is urging concessionaire San Miguel Corporation to complete the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) before Christmas.

In an interview on GMA News' "News To Go" Thursday, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said the department targets finish the expressway, particularly the segment leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3), before the holiday season when the traffic is heavier.

"We are working now with the concessionaire para matapos 'yung second phase by Christmas, kasi alam naman natin na napakabigat ng traffic pag Pasko. Kaya pipilitin talaga natin na matapos 'yung second phase which [is] papuntang NAIA-3," Villar said.

The NAIAX Phase 2-A opened at midnight on Thursday.

Passing through the NAIAX is toll-free in the first month.

Once the toll-free provision is lifted, motorist will have to pay at least P35 for Class 1 vehicles.

"Ang range ay magsisimula sa P35 and then dipende sa laki ng kotse at kung saan pumasok. The range is 35, it can be 45 pesos. But the minimum is 35," Villar said.

Villar said the DPWH is also eyeing to finish all infrastructure projects in Metro Manila within the next two to three years.

Among the projects are the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, the Sta. Monica Bridge linking Bonifacio Global City and Capitolyo in Pasig, and the Katipunan Flyover. — Joseph Tristan Roxas/VDS, GMA News