SLEX northbound traffic heavy

The northbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) was heavy on Monday morning, with the traffic's tail end reaching the Biñan exit.

The traffic buildup started past 5 a.m., according to a report by Jonathan Andal on GMA News' Unang Balita.

As of 6:20 a.m., the traffic on the portion of SLEX in San Pedro, Laguna going to Magallanes was moderate to heavy but the volume of vehicles was getting thicker by the minute.

The southbound lane, on the other hand, remained clear.

As of 7:20 a.m. however, the traffic on the northbound lane was almost at a standstill with its tail end reaching Biñan.

WATCH: As of 7:20 a.m., halos wala nang galawan ang mga sasakyan sa SLEX-San Pedro, Laguna northbound. Sabi ng pamunuan ng SLEX, abot na hanggang Biñan ang buntot ng traffic. | via @JonathanAndal_ pic.twitter.com/byr6pFeUg8

— GMA News (@gmanews) September 29, 2019

Traffic has been heavy on the northbound lane since last week after a portion of SLEX past the Alabang viaduct was closed for the Skyway Stage 3 construction.

Some motorists left their homes earlier on Monday anticipating the heavy volume of traffic.

SMC Tollways, operator of SLEX, appealed to motorists for understanding and advised them to plan their trips. 

It said motorists may want to allot one to two hours lead time for travel.

The zipper lane on the southbound lane of SLEX was opened to motorists on Monday morning to accommodate more vehicles. —KG, GMA News