The widening of the lanes implemented by the operator of the South Metro Manila Skyway Project (SMMSP) was not enough to lighten the traffic congestion at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), motorists claimed.

Motorists passing the SLEX said that traffic congestion remains in the ongoing construction of the Stage 2 of Skyway from Bicutan to Alabang, which they claimed has been the subject of complaints and criticisms due to traffic jam.

Acting on orders of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the operator of the SMMSP ordered last Tuesday the widening of lanes by moving and reducing the space caused by the barriers and scaffoldings at the center island worksite.

The road widening provided three lanes for the north- and southbound lanes of SLEX for the benefit of the motorists. But the changes could still not be experienced.

“Para sa akin hindi pa nabawasan ang bigat ng traffic sa portion ng contraction. Sana mayroon pang ibang gawing schemes,” a lady motorist who refused to be identified said.

Earlier, Eduardo Nepomuceno, Skyway O&M Corp. (SOMCO) head of operations said they can comply with the one week deadline set Sunday by MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.

Meanwhile, the Metrobase’s closed circuit television camera showed smooth slow of traffic in other sections of the SLEX that has no ongoing construction.

Skyway O&M Corp. operates and maintains the Skyway while DMCI Holdings, Inc. is the contractor of the P10-billion SMMSP Stage 2 project, which will extend the elevated portion of the Skyway up to Alabang.

The SOMCO and DMCI are rushing the completion of the project, set to be completed by mid-2010. There are 400,000 vehicles passing the SLEX road.

The Stage 2 of Skyway project spans a total of 6.88 kilometers, from Bicutan to Alabang.