Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) Is Next Skyway to Watch

(SPOT.ph) It seems like when it comes to solving the notorious traffic problem in Metro Manila, there’s no way to go but up. Yup, another Skyway is on the horizon.

Skyway Stage 4—or the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME)—will serve as a 32.66-kilometer alternate route to EDSA and C-5, which SMC claimed will cut down travel time between Bicutan in Taguig and the Batasan Complex in Quezon City from two hours to 30 minutes—if it ever gets finished.

SEMME will start at Arca South in Taguig City, follow the C5/Diego Silang and existing C6 routes, run along Laguna Lake to Ortigas Avenue Extension in Pasig and Taytay, continue toward Sumulong Highway in Antipolo, then follow Marcos Highway before reaching Tumana Bridge in San Mateo, and finally, end at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

Once operational, the P45.27-billion project is expected to accommodate approximately 150,000 vehicles daily.

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What we know about Skyway Stage 4 or Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SEMME) so far

SEMME broke ground seven years ago in 2018. It was initially slated for completion in 2020, but as with numerous infrastructure projects, it has faced significant delays due to right-of-way issues.

Fortunately, the SMC has recently signed a right-of-way usage agreement on February 3 with the Department of Transportation, the Department of National Defense, and the Veterans Association of the Philippines, which owns parts of the land where SEMME will be constructed. That's one step closer to bringing SEMME to reality.

According to SMC, construction on SEMME’s first segment will begin as soon as all right-of-way issues are resolved.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of SEMME in improving the traffic situation in our cities. It will benefit residents in the southern and eastern parts of Metro Manila by providing an alternative route to Quezon City,” SMC President Ramon Ang said.

Additionally, SEMME is expected to integrate with other infrastructure projects. In 2023, SMC partnered with Ayala Land Inc. to connect the expressway to the Arca South Transport Terminal—formerly the FTI Complex—in Taguig to help improve accessibility.

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