DOTr orders NLEX to stop toll collection amid new Marilao bridge incident

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed NLEX Corporation to immediately suspend toll collection on the northbound segment of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Marilao. This directive will remain in effect until all four lanes are fully passable, following a severe incident yesterday, June 19, where the Marilao Interchange Bridge was once again struck by a container truck that exceeded the height limit.

The new collision—barely 3 months from a similar incident—resulted in tragic consequences, causing one fatality and injuring several others, including a two-year-old child, who was hit by a dislodged bridge girder. The incident has led to yet again significant traffic congestion, causing considerable inconvenience and delay for motorists, commuters, and the delivery of goods.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already instructed the DOTr and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to ensure that affected motorists and commuters are compensated for their lost time and the distress caused by the renewed gridlock. The DOTr has also ordered NLEX Corporation to extend all necessary assistance to the bereaved family of the deceased and the injured passengers.

The toll concessionaire has also been ordered to explain the apparent lack of oversight and security measures, which is evident given that a similar incident happened not too long ago involving the same bridge.