MANILA, Philippines, March 24 ------ Motorists passing through northbound part of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) from Balintawak to Meycauayan will not be charged with toll fees beginning today at 12 pm. “This relief will remain in effect until all four lanes of the Marilao northbound area are reopened,” NLEX Corporation said.
This comes after Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon called on the NLEX operator to waive toll fees at areas affected by repairs being done on the Marilao interchange bridge. On March 19, an 18-wheeler truck struck the bridge while passing through, leaving two bridge girders or the beams underneath that support the bridge — with “severe damage.” The truck driver and its owners are now facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and has received a show cause order from the Land Transportation Office.
Dizon said the Toll Regulatory Board has asked the NLEX to explain why regulators shouldn’t impose penalties on the operator for letting the truck pass through. NLEX said repairs on the bridge could take at least two weeks to complete, hoping that repair work will be done in time for the Holy Week traffic rush. There are currently three usable northbound lanes. Meanwhile, NLEX has also provided motorists with alternative routes for those going to and from Bulacan to Pampanga.
Source: rappler.com
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