Motorists using the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) are advised to anticipate heavy traffic in the coming weeks as repair work on the Marilao Interchange Bridge is expected to last two to three weeks following an accident that occurred on 19 March.

In a radio interview, NLEX assistant vice president for Traffic Operations Rene Sta. Cruz confirmed that heavy congestion occurred on Wednesday night in both northbound and southbound lanes. Northbound traffic was affected from Balintawak to Marilao, while southbound congestion stretched from Bocaue to Marilao, with vehicles moving at speeds of 10 to 20 km/h.

The crash involved a container truck carrying oxygen cylinder tanks. According to Sta. Cruz, the truck’s height, including the tanks, reached 4.9 meters which exceeded the bridge’s clearance of 4.5 meters.

“Our bridge clearance is around 4.5 meters, so the truck hit and damaged two girders,” he explained.

The truck driver was charged with reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property. Sta. Cruz noted that repair costs will fall on the party responsible for the accident. He also pointed out that while NLEX had teams monitoring vehicle heights, the truck involved bypassed the truck lane.

In a traffic advisory at 9 a.m. on 20 March, NLEX Corporation announced the temporary closure of lanes 2 and 3 northbound from NLEX Harbor Link to Marilao. The Marilao Interchange Bridge going to MacArthur Highway and San Jose del Monte has also been temporarily closed.