Dizon wants toll holiday, additional lane in NLEX after Marilao bridge mishap

Transportation Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon over the weekend called on NLEX Corp. to allocate more lanes and waive toll fees in the North Luzon Expressway, following the mishap at the Marilao Interchange Bridge that has caused heavy traffic, which the toll operator said it will grant.

According to Dizon, it is reasonable for NLEX to waive toll fees for northbound motorists while the bridge repairs -- which the operator said could last two weeks -- are underway.

"Dobleng pasakit naman sa mga motorista kung sisingilin pa sila nang buong toll habang ilang oras silang naiipit sa traffic kahit maikling distansya lang naman ang ibibiyahe nila," he was quoted as saying in a statement.

"Maliit na pakonswelo lang ito sa abalang dinaranas ng mga motorista’t pasahero," he added.

(It would be double the burden for motorists if they will still be charged for the full toll fee while they will spend hours stuck in traffic just for a small distance.

It is a small consolation for the troubles of our motorists and passengers.)

In response, the DOTr said NLEX Corporation already opened one additional lane to provide a total of three lanes to allow faster flow of traffic.

NLEX, in a separate advisory, also said it will implement temporary toll relief on the northbound portion of the expressway from Balintawak to Meycauayan from 12 noon on March 24, until all four lanes of the Marilao northbound area are reopened.

“The Marilao Bridge sustained severe damage from a truck violating regulations, and traffic flow changes have been implemented to facilitate ongoing repairs and ensure the safety of motorists,” it said.

“We ask for the motoring public’s patience and understanding as we fast-track repairs and work to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible,” it added.

This comes as a tanker truck exceeded the 4.27-meter limit restriction under the Marilao Interchange Bridge, causing damage. The impact caused the truck driver’s wife, who was in the vehicle, to be thrown out of the vehicle. She did not sustain serious injuries.

NLEX Corp. earlier on Sunday said portions of the northbound lane of the NLEX under the Marilao Interchange Bridge will be closed starting Monday, March 24, until Friday, March 28, due to safety repair works on the Marilao Bridge.

"We are in close coordination with NLEX management and we thank them for their urgent response to the incident and their cooperation to mitigate traffic,” Dizon said.

The operator on Thursday said slow-moving traffic is expected as the repair of the Marilao Interchange Bridge may take two to three weeks after the accident. It also earlier advised motorists to take alternative routes.

NLEX Corp. said it is considering recovering the cost of repair from the drivers and owners of two trucks involved in the recent collision. It has already filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, and intends to claim restoration costs through legal proceedings. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/RF, GMA Integrated News