The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed a right of way usage agreement with the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), a move described as bringing the construction of the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) closer to reality.
The SEMME, or C6 Expressway, is a 32.7-km toll road which is expected to ease congestion along EDSA and other traffic-heavy roads through an alternate route from Parañaque to Quezon City.
“The Right-of-Way Usage Agreement signals another game-changing infrastructure initiative by declogging EDSA and other arterial roads, making land travel quicker and efficient,” said Bautista.
“The agreement will help facilitate the smooth construction of the C6 Expressway in portions traversing the property of Veterans Federation of the Philippines,” he added.
Under a 30-year concession period, SEMME Phase 1 will traverse Parañaque, Taguig City, Taytay, Antipolo, Marikina City, and Quezon City.
The Phase 1 of the project alone is seen to decongest C5 Road.
The expressway is also expected to provide an alternative route for motorists and travelers from Parañaque and Taguig heading to the eastern parts of Metro Manila and Rizal, with planned exits at Ortigas Avenue Extension, Marcos Highway, and Tumana Bridge in Quezon City.
Bautista said the project is a combination of elevated and at-grade expressway.
The toll road, according to him, will benefit around 42,477 to 88,338 motorists per day, and reduce travel time from Bicutan to Batasan from one hour 50 minutes to 26 minutes.
"With San Miguel Corporation and Philippine National Construction Corporation at the helm, this P45.29-billion project underscores our commitment to long-term solutions for urban mobility," said Bautista.
For his part, SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the project is really intended to improve traffic conditions in Metro Manila.
“We cannot overemphasize the importance of SEMME in improving the traffic situation in our cities. It will benefit residents in the southern and eastern parts of Metro Manila by providing an alternative route to Quezon City,” said Ang.
Ang reaffirmed the company's commitment to start construction on the first segment of SEMME as soon as all right-of-way issues are resolved.
He also acknowledged the Ayala Group’s efforts to collaborate with SMC in integrating its Arca South estate with the Skyway System through SEMME.
Both companies have signed an integration agreement, under which an exit from SEMME will be built at the Arca South estate.