SMC studying new Skyway route to eastern Manila

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Monday confirmed it is studying the possibility of extending the Metro Manila Skyway (MMS) Stage 3 to include an additional route for trucks going to eastern Metro Manila.

"We confirm that the Company is discussing with the Toll Regulatory Board the construction of an extension of the Skyway Stage 3 Project to be an optional route for trucks going to the eastern portion of Metro Manila," it said in a disclosure to the local bourse.

"Such extension may pass thru the San Juan River, C-3 and the Pasig River, respectively," San Miguel said.

The P37.43-billion MMS Stage 3 project is a 14.82-kilometer, six-lane elevated toll road project intended to connect the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) in Alabang to Balintawak in Quezon City.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) website, the project will link the South and North Luzon Expressways through eight interchanges: Buendia, Pres. Quirino Avenue, Plaza Dilao and Nagtahan, Aurora Boulevard, E. Rodriguez Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Sgt. Rivera, and Balintawak. There will be a total of 14 toll plazas.

Awarded to SMC-backed Citra Central Expressway Corporation (CCEC), the project was reported to be 19.158 percent completed as of November 25, 2016.

Its first phase from Buendia to R. Magsaysay Boulevard was said to be 16.778 percent complete as of November 2016, while its second phase from R. Magsaysay Boulevard to Balintawak is 13.673-percent complete.

SMC on Monday also clarified that should it push through with the extension, it will not be considered an unsolicited proposal.

"We advise that the construction of such tollway will not be considered an unsolicited proposal since it would be an extension of the Skyway Stage 3 Project," it said. —KG, GMA News