Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 22) — The country’s expressways are gearing up to accommodate the influx of motorists over the Christmas holidays.
The NLEX Corporation, the concessionaire of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), said on Friday that it will increase toll collection booths and suspend all roadwork until January 2, 2018 in order to facilitate faster vehicle flow amid the anticipated surge in traffic volume from December 22, 2017 onwards.
During the critical hours of December 22, 23, 29 and 30, the NLEX Balintawak Toll Plaza will open 24 toll collection points instead of the usual 18, while the Mindanao Avenue Toll Plaza will increase its toll collection points to 10 from seven.
In addition, the SCTEX Tarlac Toll Plaza will have 20 collection points for northbound motorists.
On December 25, January 1 and 2, the Bocaue Toll Plaza will open 48 toll collection points to accommodate motorists returning to Metro Manila.
“It’s all systems go for the rise in traffic volume this Christmas season,” said NLEX Corporation President and CEO Rodrigo Franco. “Our team has always been prepared to assist our motorists and manage the traffic flow.”
The company also said roadwork will be suspended until January 2, 2018, except for safety repairs.
NLEX said more traffic personnel will be deployed in anticipation of events at the Philippine Arena, which is located in the Ciudad de Victoria tourism estate in Bocaue, Bulacan.
These include the PBA game on December 25 and New Year countdown on December 30 and 31.
Traffic advisories will be relayed to motorists through variable message signs and regular updates on social media.
Towing and emergency medical services will also be augmented to provide quick motorist assistance.
“We are hoping that with all these preparations, we will be able to help lessen the travel time of our motorists so they can spend more quality time with their loved ones,” Franco said.
