Naiax, Skyway up speed limits

The increase in the speed limit on the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) to 80 kilometers per hour from the previous 60 is now in effect following a comprehensive study conducted by the SMC Infrastructure traffic safety managers.

The speed limit adjustments is also implemented on straight sections of Skyway Stage 3 while the 60-kph speed limit will continue to be enforced for all motorists on curved sections of both expressways.

“This change will make travel on NAIAx and Skyway Stage 3 faster and more efficient for everyone. We have carefully studied this to make sure that it benefits motorists while prioritizing safety. This also complements the ongoing reconfiguration of exit plazas at NAIAx, which should allow for less congestion and help improve motorists’ experience on the expressway,” said SMC chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

NAIAx is the elevated toll road that connects the Skyway system to the three passenger terminals of NAIA, and other key areas such as Entertainment City, Macapagal Boulevard, Sucat Road in Paranaque City, and the road network to Cavite province.

The 18-km Skyway Stage 3 meanwhile connects Balintawak, Quezon City, and NLEX to the Skyway System at Buendia in Makati and the South Luzon Expressway at Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Stage 3 also features key exits in the cities of Manila, San Juan, and Caloocan, providing alternative routes to these areas.

Ang said that right-of-way issues during the construction of NAIAx and Skyway Stage 3 forced redesigns of some sections and even a number of access ramps, due to very limited space. As a result, portions of both expressways have sharp curves where motorists need to slow down. To ensure compliance, traffic patrollers equipped with radar speed guns will continue to monitor and issue citations to motorists caught violating the speed limits. All traffic patrollers are deputized by the Land Transportation Office to apprehend erring motorists at exits, confiscate their drivers’ licenses, and issue temporary operator’s permits.