UPDATE: The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) says it DID NOT ISSUE a decision or directive ordering the indefinite closure of the Skyway Stage 3 starting 5 p.m. of 16 March 2021.
The position of the TRB and its management is to keep Skyway Stage 3 OPEN for the benefit of all motorists.
The TRB is composed of the Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Finance, National Economic Development Authority, and a representative from the private sector.
Earlier today, Skyway SOMCO announced that the Skyway Stage 3 will be closed starting March 16, 2021 at 5 p.m.
The closure is a result of a Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) directive. Skyway Stage 3 will reopen once all ramps are complete. Skyway SOMCO has yet to provide an estimated completion date.
The announcement was made on Skyway SOMCO’s (Skyway Operations and Management Corporation) official Twitter account.
The Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 was officially opened in late December 2020. It stretches from Buendia, Makati City up to North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Balintawak, Quezon City. It was designed to cut travel time between the two points down to 20 minutes or less, as well as decongest EDSA.
Opened to the public by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Infrastructure in late December, no toll was charged as it has not been completed yet. The Toll Regulatory Board said the use of Skyway Stage 3 will remain free of charge until all the ramps have been built and the tollway's full alignment completion has surpassed the 95% mark.
With the Skyway Stage 3 closed to traffic, it is hoped that SMC can fast-track its completion and the TRB can approve its proposed toll rates to allow it to reopen.