Dizon: Waive toll fees while Marilao bridge repairs ongoing

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has called on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation to waive toll fees in affected areas as heavy congestion continues due to repairs on the damaged Marilao Interchange Bridge caused by an over-height truck.

“I am demanding from NLEX that, while they are doing repairs and our fellow citizens are inconvenienced, they waive toll fees in affected areas,” Dizon said.

To ease congestion, a zipper lane was opened on the southbound side, while patrol teams were deployed to manage traffic.

NLEX Corporation announced that the repair process, which began immediately after the 19 March incident, is expected to take two to three weeks. Robin Ignacio, assistant vice president for traffic operations at NLEX Corporation, stated that the goal is to complete the work before Holy Week.

“Our engineers and contractors have assessed that repairs will take around two to three weeks. We’re aiming to complete the work before Holy Week,” Ignacio said in an interview with DZBB on 20 March.

Dizon, however, expressed frustration over the prolonged timeline, saying he has demanded that repairs be completed within a week.

“I said, this is unacceptable. So this needs to be finished in one week. I demanded one week,” he said.

The bridge closure has worsened northbound traffic, prompting Ignacio to urge motorists to take alternate routes. However, congestion remains heavy on detour roads.

As authorities monitor traffic flow and work to minimize disruptions, motorists are advised to plan their routes carefully, as repairs are expected to continue for weeks.

The Toll Regulatory Board, meanwhile, has ordered NLEX to explain why it should not face penalties for allowing an over-height truck to enter the toll plaza, causing the bridge damage.

Meanwhile, NLEX has filed reckless imprudence charges against the truck driver and company. The Land Transportation Office has issued a show cause order to the truck company and driver.