DOTr wants toll holiday, more lanes on NLEX after Marilao Bridge mishap

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is putting its foot down over the recent NLEX Marilao Bridge Interchange incident. While NLEX Corporation is already working on fully repairing the damaged infrastructure in 2-3 weeks, the DOTr demands the tollway operator give compensation to affected motorists.

This was confirmed by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon who argued that it is only reasonable for NLEX to waive toll fees from motorists passing the northbound side of the expressway while bridge repairs are being conducted.

“Dobleng pasakit naman sa mga motorista kung sisingilin pa sila nang buong toll habang ilang oras silang naiipit sa traffic kahit maikling distansya lang naman ang ibibiyahe nila. Maliit na pakonswelo lang ito sa abalang dinaranas ng mga motorista’t pasahero,” said Dizon.

[It would be doubly painful for motorists if they were charged the full toll while they were stuck in traffic for hours even though they were only traveling a short distance. This is only a small consolation for the inconvenience suffered by motorists and passengers]

Aside from the toll holiday for the affected NLEX segment, Sec. Dizon also said that the tollway operator allocate additional lanes to immediately address traffic congestion. In response, NLEX Corporation has already opened an additional lane – providing a total of three lanes to allow a faster flow of northbound traffic.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has already asked NLEX Corporation to explain why it shouldn’t face penalties for allowing a truck with excessive vertical clearance to enter the toll plaza which resulted in the bridge getting damaged. On the other hand, the tollway operator has already filed charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property against the driver and the owners of the truck. Last but not least, the LTO has issued a show-cause order to the truck company and its driver.

With Holy Week only several weeks away, the recent mishap is a reminder not just for tollway operators to check on trucks with tall cargo, but to also ensure that vertical clearances along the expressway are being met.