Skyway Stage 3

Project Overview

The 18.83 kilometers Skyway Stage 3, officially known as the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS3), is a major elevated expressway in Metro Manila, Philippines. It runs from Buendia in Makati City to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, Quezon City. This project, completed in January 2021 and inaugurated in July 2021, is operated by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure and cost around PHP 44.86 billion.

The expressway is a key component of the EDSA Decongestion Masterplan, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing traffic on EDSA, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila. Skyway Stage 3's route traverses several important urban areas: starting in Makati City, it passes through Manila, San Juan, and Quezon City, before ending in Caloocan. Its elevated structure minimizes land acquisition needs and integrates well with existing urban infrastructure. The expressway features multiple lanes in each direction to accommodate high traffic volumes efficiently.

Skyway Stage 3 includes eight strategically placed exits and entry points to maximize accessibility across Metro Manila. These exits are located at Buendia in Makati, Quirino Avenue and Nagtahan in Manila, Aurora Boulevard in San Juan, Quezon Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, and Sgt. Rivera in Quezon City, and Balintawak in Quezon City/Caloocan. The construction utilized advanced engineering techniques such as precast segmental construction and modern foundation technologies to ensure the expressway's durability and stability.

Project Impact

The project has had a profound impact on Metro Manila’s transportation system and economy. By providing a faster alternative to congested ground-level roads, the expressway has significantly reduced travel times across the city. For instance, a trip from Buendia to Balintawak, which previously could take several hours during peak times, now takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. This improvement in travel time has enhanced the efficiency of logistics and transportation, benefiting businesses by boosting productivity and reducing operational costs.

The improved accessibility provided by Skyway Stage 3 has stimulated economic activity in areas surrounding its exits. Increased connectivity has attracted investments and spurred development, contributing to urban renewal and economic growth. Additionally, the expressway has alleviated traffic congestion on EDSA and other major roads, leading to better traffic flow throughout Metro Manila.

Skyway Stage 3 remains a crucial component of Metro Manila's infrastructure landscape. Its integration with future projects, such as the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road, will further enhance regional connectivity and create a more cohesive expressway network across Luzon. Skyway Stage 3's successful implementation underscores the transformative potential of well-planned infrastructure projects in urban environments, highlighting its strategic importance in addressing traffic congestion, supporting economic growth, and fostering urban development.