SLEX, STAR, Skyway users alarmed over dangerous conditions, potholes

Numerous motorists complain of dangerous driving conditions on SMC-operated expressways

The South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), as well as Skyway, NAIAX, and STAR Tollway, all serve as vital arteries connecting Metro Manila to Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and beyond. However, driving on these expressways is becoming precarious for many motorists who took to social media to complain. Some experienced punctured tires and bent alloy wheels. In some cases, motorists are getting involved in a road crash incident due to construction work along the highway that stretches all the way to Batangas.

Even before the current intensification of the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), motorists have consistently raised concerns about the expressway’s hazardous driving conditions, and it seems that SMC Tollways has turned a blind eye on the situation.

Potholes, lots of potholes

According to motorists who posted on the group, SLEX Traffic, the highway is littered with sharp potholes, with many of them falling victim to a punctured tire, or with bent/crooked alloy wheels.

“Eto po ung nangyari sa mags ko kagabi along expressway before san pedro exit. And today po ayaw na po gumapang ng gulong ko sa harap na parang may nakatukod at naangat ang harap… napakalaking damaged po ang nangyari sa mags and wheels ko dahil nga po sa napakalaking pothole na nadaanan ko kagabi sa area na yan at the speed of 60km/hr only,” said Ina in her post.

(This is what happened to my mags last night along the expressway before San Pedro exit. And today, my front wheel doesn’t want to move; it’s like something is propping it up and the front is lifted... there was very big damage to my mags and wheels because of the very big pothole I went over last night in that area at the speed of 60km/hr only.)

Another user, Irene Dureza, has this to say: “So I’m calling the attention of SLEX management and San Miguel Infrastructure for the nth time. This wasn’t my first rodeo with a near-miss accident on SLEX and STAR Tollway due to an extremely deep pothole.

Please don’t wait for someone to get hurt or worse before urgent repairs are made. These roads need immediate attention, not just patchwork, but proper, consistent maintenance and safety checks.

To all motorists out there, please stay alert. But more importantly, to those in charge. PLEASE DO BETTER. Lives depend on it, San Miguel Corporation.”

Skyway, also

Frequent Skyway users are also noticing how the road has become bumpier, especially when traversing the elevated expressway’s expansion joints and potholes.

“Mga ka-biyahe, same din po ng mga babala sa mga dumadaan sa SLEX, madami at malalaki na din po ang mga potholes sa SKYWAY.

Usually sa point of connection ng mga segments ng highway, along the outer lane. Mas madami pong potholes sa northbound lane. Dati nang may mga damage yung parts na yun pero hindi kasing dami or laki ng itsura nito ngayon, most likely due to the heavy rains na din kaya mas nagloosen. Very hazardous, esp to small/light vehicles and likely to make you lose control of your vehicle if masyado kang mabilis. Patuloy po tayo sa pagiingat - may mga nagmamahal po sa inyo na hinihintay kayong makauwi ng ligtas.”

(Fellow travelers, the same warning apply to those passing through SLEX; there are also many and large potholes on SKYWAY. Usually at the point of connection of the highway segments, along the outer lane. There are more potholes on the northbound lane. Those parts used to have damage before, but not as much or as big as they look now, most likely due to the heavy rains, which also caused more deterioration. Very hazardous, especially to small/light vehicles and likely to make you lose control of your vehicle if you are too fast. Let’s continue to be careful - there are people who love you waiting for you to come home safely.)

Let's see how SMC responds and addresses these complaints from motorists on their roads.