Expressways prepped for elections, Undas traffic – SMC
San Miguel Corporation's (SMC) infrastructure unit said it is preparing its major expressways in anticipation of heavy traffic from Oct. 27 throughout the extended weekend brought by the influx of provincial travel due to the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30 and "Undas" on Nov. 1 and 2.
Motorists are encouraged to plan their trips and expect heavy traffic along the tollways, the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR), the Skyway System, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
Additional patrollers and toll personnel will be deployed at exits and toll plazas to accommodate and assist passengers, especially in traffic hot spots at the expressways.
To help ease traffic flow, roadwork activities in expressways, toll plazas, and exits will be suspended from 12 noon on Oct. 27 until 10 p.m. on Nov. 5.
The firm also reminded motorists to load their Auto sweep accounts in advance, prepare their cards early, avoid tailgating at exit lanes so RFID readers can scan vehicle tags, and observe all traffic rules and speed limits.
“This is in anticipation of heavy traffic volume, particularly motorists heading out of Metro Manila. In support of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos’, which aims to provide our countrymen smooth and safe travels, SMC Infrastructure is putting in place a multitude of mitigating measures to help make motorists’ journeys more manageable and safe,” the company said in a statement.
“We have coordinated our traffic management plans with the Toll Regulatory Board, local government units, the police, the Land Transportation Office and other agencies. Emergency services such as fire trucks, ambulances, and towing trucks have also been readied and are on standby to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists,” SMC added.
Motorists who require emergency assistance may stop at lay-bys or seek help at selected Petron stations. Calling the authorities using hotlines (SLEX Hotline: 09176877539; TPLEX Hotline: 09178880715; STAR Hotlines: 09175117827 / 043-7567870; Skyway Hotline: 02-53188655) is also recommended.