NLEX told: Waive toll amid Marilao Bridge mishap

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has demanded the North Luzon Expressway Corp. (NLEX) waive toll fees and expedite repairs on the Marilao Interchange Bridge after a truck accident caused severe traffic congestion.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Friday called for the toll suspension on the northbound stretch between Balintawak and Marilao while repairs are underway.

He stressed that it was unfair for motorists to pay full toll while experiencing hours of traffic delays.

“It would be unfair for motorists to pay the full toll while being stuck in traffic for hours, even if they are only traveling a short distance. This is a small way to compensate them for the inconvenience they are experiencing,” Dizon said.

He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stressed the importance of valuing people’s time, adding that the repairs must be completed quickly.

The accident, which occurred Wednesday, involved an over-height truck that damaged bridge girders, leading to lane closures and heavy congestion.

NLEX has opened an additional lane, bringing the total to three, to ease traffic. The company also filed reckless imprudence charges against the truck driver and company.

Meantime, the Toll Regulatory Board has ordered NLEX to explain why it should not face penalties for allowing the over-height truck to enter the toll plaza, while the Land Transportation Office issued a show cause order to the truck company and driver.

NLEX initially estimated repairs would take two to three weeks, aiming for completion before Holy Week. However, Dizon demanded the repairs be finished within one week.

“I said, this is unacceptable. So this needs to be finished in one week. I demanded one week,” said Dizon, as he assured the public that the DoTr and its agencies are working closely with NLEX to expedite repairs.

He added that the agencies are in close coordination with NLEX management and thanked them for their urgent response.

Motorists are advised to expect continued congestion and plan alternate routes.