History of the Metro Manila Skyway
The Skyway system in the Philippines is a network of elevated expressways that provide faster and more efficient transportation options in Metro Manila. Here is a brief history of the Skyway roads:
- Skyway Stage 1: The first section of the Skyway, known as Skyway Stage 1 or the South Metro Manila Skyway, was constructed in the early 1990s. It spans from Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City to Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. This section was initially a toll road and provided an elevated alternative to the congested streets of Metro Manila.
- Skyway Stage 2: Skyway Stage 2, also called the Skyway Elevated Expressway, is an ongoing project that aims to extend the existing Skyway from Alabang to Susana Heights in Muntinlupa City, and further to Calamba City in Laguna. It will help alleviate traffic congestion along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and provide a faster route to the southern provinces of Luzon.
- Skyway Stage 3: Skyway Stage 3, officially opened in January 2021, is a significant addition to the Skyway system. It connects the South Luzon Expressway in the south to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the north, spanning a distance of approximately 18.83 kilometers. This elevated expressway passes through several major cities in Metro Manila, including Makati, Manila, and Quezon City, and has numerous entry and exit points.
- Skyway Stage 4: Skyway Stage 4, also known as the SLEX-NLEX Connector Road, is another ongoing project that will link the South Luzon Expressway to the North Luzon Expressway. This road aims to provide a direct and seamless connection between the two expressways, reducing travel time and easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
The Skyway system has been instrumental in improving mobility and decongesting the major roadways in Metro Manila. It has significantly reduced travel time and provided a more convenient option for commuters and motorists.