Starting this weekend, the tollways north and south of Metro Manila become convergence points as motorists and commuters flock to the provinces to pay homage to the dead during the annual observance of Undas.
Those going north will presumably make a beeline from the Skyway up to TPLEX.
Those south-bound are expected to motor from SLEX all the way to arterial tollways such as Calax, MCX and Star.
San Miguel Corporation’s infrastructure unit says it is gearing up for possible heavy traffic buildup along the major expressways as a result of the mass exodus of Filipinos to provinces.
Heavy traffic can be expected in the runup to the holidays since the government has declared Oct. 30 a special non-working day for the barangay and youth councils’ elections, and with Nov. 1 and 2 being the traditional observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.
SMC Infrastructure thus advised motorists to plan their trips ahead of the extended holidays.
“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 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 are on alert to provide immediate assistance to distressed motorists,” the company added.
All roadworks and related activities that could contribute to traffic flow in expressways, toll plazas, and exits, will also be suspended and will resume at 10:00PM of Nov. 5, it said.
The company is also mobilizing additional patrollers and toll personnel at exits and toll plazas where traffic is expected to be heavy.
To minimize causes of delays at the tollways, SMC Infrastructure reminds motorists to make sure their Autosweep accounts have sufficient load, and to have their cards ready in their vehicles should these be needed.
The company also cited other ways motorists can contribute to faster, safer travel along the expressways. These include avoiding tailgating at exit lanes so RFID readers can scan vehicle tags properly; ensuring vehicles are roadworthy before travelling, observing all traffic rules especially speed limits, and wearing of seatbelts at all times.
The company also said that motorists who might encounter emergencies or vehicle trouble can stop and use lay-bys or seek assistance at selected Petron stations.
Distressed motorists could call the following hotlines should they need assistance at the expressways:
* SLEX Hotline: 09176877539
* TPLEX Hotline: 09178880715
* STAR Hotlines: 09175117827 / 043-7567870
* Skyway Hotline: 02-53188655.
