Motorists laud new NAIAX speed limit

SMC Infrastructure has announced an increase in the speed limit on the NAIA Expressway (NAIAX) to 80 kilometers per hour (kph), up from the previous 60 kph.

This new speed limit will take effect starting 15 January 2025.

Similar adjustments will also be applied to straight sections of Skyway Stage 3 beginning 20 January 2025.

These changes are based on a comprehensive study conducted by the company’s traffic safety managers.

“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 make sure that it benefits motorists while prioritizing safety.”

He further noted that the new speed limits align with ongoing improvements, such as the reconfiguration of exit plazas at NAIAX.

“This should allow for less congestion and help improve motorists’ experience on the expressway,” Ang added.

The 60-kph speed limit will remain enforced on curved sections of both expressways to maintain safety. “This is to prevent accidents due to miscalculation or oversteering, especially where there are sharp curves,” Ang explained.

He highlighted that right-of-way constraints during the construction of these expressways led to the inclusion of sharp curves in some sections.

To ensure compliance, traffic patrollers equipped with radar speed guns will monitor and issue citations to motorists violating speed limits.

Deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), these patrollers are authorized to confiscate driver’s licenses and issue temporary operator’s permits.

“We appeal to our motorists to observe speed limits at our expressway facilities for the safety of all,” Ang concluded.

One frequent motorist, Joey dela Cruz, shared his thoughts on the speed limit adjustment. “This is great news for people like me who use NAIAX almost daily. The higher speed limit will definitely make my travel faster and more efficient, especially during off-peak hours,” he said.

However, Dela Cruz also expressed caution. “I hope other drivers stay mindful of the safety measures, especially on the curved sections. It’s good to hear that monitoring will still be strict to ensure everyone’s safety.”

NAIAX is an elevated toll road connecting the Skyway System to the three passenger terminals of NAIA and other key locations such as Entertainment City, Macapagal Boulevard and Sucat Road in Parañaque City.

It also provides access to the road network leading to Cavite province.

The 18-km Skyway Stage 3 links Balintawak, Quezon City, and NLEX to the Skyway System at Buendia in Makati and the South Luzon Expressway at Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The expressway features key exits in Manila, San Juan and Caloocan, offering alternative routes for motorists.