SMC Infrastructure has announced an increase in the speed limit on the NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) to 80 kilometers per hour (kph) from the previous 60 kph, effective January 15, 2025.
Similar adjustments will be implemented on straight sections of Skyway Stage 3 starting January 20, 2025. These changes follow an in-depth study conducted by the company’s traffic safety experts.
“This change will make travel on NAIAx and Skyway Stage 3 faster and more efficient for everyone,” said SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang. “We have carefully studied this to ensure it benefits motorists while maintaining a strong focus on safety.”
Ang also noted that the adjustment complements the ongoing reconfiguration of exit plazas at NAIAx. “This should reduce congestion and enhance motorists’ overall experience on the expressway,” he added.
Safety Remains a Priority
Despite the new speed limits, the 60-kph restriction will remain in effect on curved sections of both expressways to ensure safety.
“This measure is necessary to prevent accidents caused by miscalculation or oversteering on sharp curves, considering the design limitations of NAIAx and Skyway Stage 3,” Ang explained.
He further elaborated that right-of-way constraints during the construction of these expressways necessitated adjustments to some sections, resulting in sharper curves where reduced speed is essential.
Compliance and Monitoring
To enforce these rules, traffic patrollers equipped with radar speed guns will monitor vehicles and issue citations for speed limit violations. These patrollers, deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), are authorized to apprehend violators, confiscate driver’s licenses, and issue temporary operator’s permits.
“We appeal to motorists to observe speed limits for everyone’s safety,” Ang concluded.
Key Infrastructure
NAIAx is an elevated toll road connecting the Skyway System to the three passenger terminals of NAIA, as well as to key locations such as Entertainment City, Macapagal Boulevard, Sucat Road in Parañaque City, and the road network leading to Cavite province.
The 18-kilometer Skyway Stage 3 links Balintawak, Quezon City, and NLEX to the Skyway System at Buendia in Makati and the South Luzon Expressway in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It also features key exits in Manila, San Juan, and Caloocan, providing alternative routes to these areas.
