DOTr asks NLEX to waive toll in area affected by bridge hit

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to immediately waive the toll in its Marilao northbound segment after another bridge hit that killed a person.

On Wednesday, June 18, an 18-wheeler container truck exceeded the 4.27-meter height limit of the Marilao interchange that caused a beam to fall and hit an oncoming vehicle. The same bridge was hit three months ago also by an 18-wheeler truck.

One person was killed, while others in the Asian utility vehicle, including a two-year-old infant, were injured.

In a press statement, the agency urged NLEX Corporation to suspend fees until all lanes are passable.

The toll operator said it will carry out scheduled closures beginning 10 p.m. on Thursday, June 19.

The bridge is temporarily closed with a stop-and-go traffic scheme until July 1.

The toll operator said all lanes are passable for now but the bridge bound for MacArthur Highway has been temporarily closed.

The DOTr also asked the toll operator to explain what it called “lack of oversight” after a similar incident in March.

On March 19, an 18-wheeler truck hit the same bridge and severely damaged two girders, prompting lane closures for a week. NLEX suspended fees upon the call of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.

“Humihingi ng pang-unawa ang DOTr sa ating mga motorista at komyuter dahil sa pangyayaring ito. Pinamamadali na ng ahensiya ang pagsasa-ayos ng apektadong imprastruktura upang agarang mapabilis at maayos ang daloy ng trapik sa lugar,” the DOTr said.

[Translation: The DOTr is asking for understanding from our motorists and commuters regarding this incident. The agency is expediting the repair of the affected infrastructure to immediately improve and ease the flow of traffic in the area.]

In a statement, NLEX said it acknowledges the concerns of the DOTr but didn’t respond to the agency’s call to temporarily suspend fees.

The toll operator maintained that it has carried out measures to enhance security and strengthen enforcement against vehicles who violate regulations.

“Notwithstanding our continuing apprehension of vehicles which violate height limits, there are still vehicles which recklessly ignore the numerous signages that clearly indicate the bridge's height limit,” it said.