Part of Skyway 3 to be opened next year

A portion of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS-3) project that is expected to de-congest traffic in Metro Manila is set to be opened early next year, GMA News' Katrina Son reported on Unang Balita on Thursday.

The project, which cost the government P37.43 billion, is an elevated expressway from Buendia, Makati, to Balintawak, Quezon City, that aims to connect North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

The 14.82-kilometer expressway, which is 30-percent finished, will have eight interchanges, the report said.

During a site inspection on Thursday morning, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said they expect to open the Quirino exit of the skyway to the public during the first half of 2018.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it will initially charge P240 to motorists who will go from Buendia to Balintawak, although this is subject to change.

"Meron hong mga konsiderasyon nga yan. ‘Yung formula ng recoverability o kakayanan ng mamayan, pagbabalansehin ho yan," said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, who joined Thursday morning's inspection.

Some 55,000 vehicles are expected to use the express way daily once it is operational. According to Villar, this is the number of vehicles that will not be passing EDSA, therefore decongesting the main thoroughfare.

Meanwhile, Villar said conflicts with landowners regarding the project have already been settled.

"May mga landowners na medyo nagkaroon ng objection pero naayos na po kaya mabubuksan agad ang Quirino exit," he said. —Akari Nakano/KBK, GMA News