Heavy traffic expected on NLEX starting Wednesday for Iglesia centennial

Published July 21, 2014 9:57am

(Updated 10:32 a.m.) Motorists traveling through the North Luzon Expressway may have to brace for slow traffic starting Wednesday due to the upcoming centennial celebration of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Bulacan.

The NLEX posted on its Twitter account a traffic advisory indicating "high traffic volume" is expected from July 23 to 27.

"Plan your trips ahead," it said.

It noted the centennial celebration of the Iglesia ni Cristo will be held at the Ciudad de Victoria in Bulacan province.

NLEX operator Tollways Management Corp. (TMC) said attendees are expected to start arriving at the Philippine Arena as early as the evening of July 25, Friday.

In a news release, TMC said it will deploy additional toll personnel in affected plazas, and additional traffic management and security personnel at strategic areas including the Philippine Arena compound and at the interchanges near the venue.

U-turn slots are designated as well.

Earlier Monday, President Benigno Aquino III unveiled the marker at the Ciudad de Victoria and led the inauguration of the Philippine Arena.

The Philippine Arena is considered the world's largest indoor arena with a capacity of at least 50,000.

Sneak peek at Iglesia ni Cristo's 50,000-seater Philippine Arena. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/hCGw5EU9ya

— Xianne Arcangel (@xianneangel) July 20, 2014

Alternate routes

TMC suggested that delegates coming from the north going to the Philippine Arena turn at the Smart Connect Interchange (Mindanao Avenue Link Interchange).

It added those leaving the Philipine Arena and are Manila-bound may turn at the Tabang or Balagtas Interchanges at the designated U-turn slots just after the Toll Plaza exits.

Parking, tow-away areas

Parking areas will be at local roads near the Philippine Arena while critical areas at NLEX especially from Meycauayan to Bocaue northbound will be declared tow-away zones during the event.

NLEX will also coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Road works suspended

Road works at NLEX were suspended since July 16 for the event "unless safety repair is required," and will resume on August 4.

Meanwhile, the public may check traffic advisories via:

Twitter: @nlextraffic
Facebook: "Travel On Great Roads"
Website: www.tollways.net.ph
Hotlines: (02) 580-8910, (02) 3-5000 for NLEX and (0920) 9672839 for SCTEX related concerns

—Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News

Tags: nlex, trafficadvisory, iglesianicristocentennial