SMC: SLEX, STAR, Skyway, NAIAX, TPLEX passable to all traffic; Skyway Araneta off-ramp closed
Araneta off-ramp closed due to garbage-clogged creek
By Inigo Roces
At A Glance
- All expressways under SMC Infrastructure's management — South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) — remain operational and passable.
- The G. Araneta (Maria Clara) off-ramp at Skyway Stage 3 remains closed due to flooding at the at-grade section.
Skyway Stage 3 (Manila Bulletin file photo)
SMC Infrastructure reported that as of 6:00 p.m., July 22, all expressways under its management — South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) — remain operational and passable.
There have been no major incidents of flooding, although some lanes were temporarily closed due to water buildup, which can make driving conditions unsafe.
G Araneta off-ramp closed due to debris
The G. Araneta (Maria Clara) off-ramp at Skyway Stage 3 remains closed due to flooding at the at-grade section, following the overflow of Talayan Creek on 21 July 2025.
The creek’s drainage capacity has also been severely limited by accumulated garbage obstructing water flow.
While the responsibility for clearing and maintaining waterways lies with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Quezon City Government, SMC Infrastructure has been supporting cleanup efforts by regularly removing waste from the creek. However, sustained improvement requires the timely hauling of collected garbage and stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations.
Maintenance ongoing
Heavy rains have also contributed to the formation of potholes along some sections of the expressways. Maintenance personnel are actively repairing these in coordination with traffic patrollers to ensure road safety.
Motorists are advised to drive with caution during inclement weather. Keep speed at or below 60-kph, use headlights when visibility is low, and avoid using hazard lights while the vehicle is moving, as these indicate a stalled vehicle.
SMC Infrastructure continues to monitor road conditions and work closely with authorities to ensure roads remain safe and accessible to the public.