SMC prepares Luzon expressways for Undas holiday traffic surge

Insider Spotlight

• SMC Infrastructure expects a 10-percent increase in expressway traffic during Undas.
• Full staffing begins October 29, with roadworks suspended until November 3.
• Emergency response teams will be deployed across five major expressway systems.

SMC Infrastructure is preparing for a 10-percent increase in vehicle traffic across its expressway network during the Undas holiday period, deploying additional personnel and emergency response teams to manage congestion and assist motorists.

In a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, the tollway operator said it is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), Land Transportation Office (LTO) and local governments to manage congestion, particularly on roads connecting expressway entrances and exits with local streets.

The preparations cover the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, STAR Tollway, NAIA Expressway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

Full deployment

Full staffing will begin at 12:01 a.m. on October 29 under the Department of Transportation's Oplan Biyaheng Ayos. Quick-response teams, ambulances, tow trucks and fire engines will be stationed at strategic locations across the network.

Traffic monitoring centers will operate around the clock. Roadworks will be suspended from noon on October 29 until 10 p.m. on November 3 to minimize disruptions during peak holiday travel periods.

Emergency assistance desks will also operate 24 hours a day at Petron service stations, complementing roadside response units deployed along the expressways.

Travel reminders

SMC advised motorists to plan their trips, allow additional travel time and anticipate bottlenecks where expressways connect with congested local roads.

Drivers were also reminded to inspect their tires, brakes, batteries, lights and cooling systems before departure. Overheating engines, flat tires and dead batteries can cause breakdowns that worsen congestion, particularly during periods of heavier vehicle traffic.

Motorists should also ensure their Autosweep RFID accounts have sufficient load before traveling to avoid delays at toll plazas.

Those seeking to use a single RFID account across Luzon's expressways may enroll in the optional One RFID program.

For emergencies and roadside assistance, motorists may contact SLEX at 0917-687-7539, STAR Tollway at 0917-511-7827 or (043) 756-7870, TPLEX at 0917-888-0715, and Skyway at (02) 5318-8655.

— Edited by Daxim L. Lucas