SMC, DOTr, and DPWH ready for anticipated traffic buildup

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Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) infrastructure unit is set to implement several mitigating measures to address the anticipated heavy traffic buildup along its major expressways starting October 27 for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections and the “Undas” holidays.

SMC Infrastructure advised motorists to plan their trips ahead of the upcoming extended holidays and to anticipate heavier vehicle volumes along its tollways — the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, Skyway System as well as the South Luzon, Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressways.

“This is in anticipation of heavy traffic volume, particularly motorists heading out of Metro Manila. In support of the Department of Transportation’s ‘OplanBiyahengAyos’, 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.

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SMC Infrastructure said it has coordinated its traffic management plans with the Toll Regulatory Board, local government units, the police, Land Transportation Office and other agencies. It will have emergency services to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists.

All roadworks and related activities that could contribute to traffic flow in expressways, toll plazas and exits will also be suspended starting noon on Oct. 27 and will resume at 10 p.m. on Nov. 5, it added.

The company is also mobilizing additional patrollers and toll personnel at exits and toll plazas where traffic is expected to be heavy.

To further minimize possible causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure reminded motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load, and to have their cards ready in their vehicles should these be needed.

In a related development, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will once again deploy composite teams to help with the surge of motorists along key routes owing to the upcoming holidays of All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan ordered the reactivation of its roadside assistance program for Undas effective 8 a.m. on Oct. 31 until 5 p.m. On Nov. 2.

“For three days, our ‘LakbayAlalay’ Motorist Assistance Centers will be operational to provide prompt and reliable assistance to motorists and travelers going to visit their departed loved ones this long weekend,” said Bonoan.

Strategically-located stations will be manned round-the-clock by uniformed personnel with equipment, who can provide emergency services to motorists and the traveling public.

Implementing offices with ongoing projects along the same routes were likewise ordered to ensure proper road safety signages and that traffic advisories are posted to prevent traffic slowdown.

 

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