The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the private operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to suspend toll collection at the northbound segment in Marilao, Bulacan, following another crash at the Marilao Interchange Bridge involving an overheight truck.

In a notice addressed to NLEX Corp., the DOTr expressed its “profound concern and disappointment over the recurring incidents of overheight vehicles striking critical infrastructure” along NLEX.

The most recent incident, according to the DOTr, is an “unacceptable failure of operational diligence.”

The agency, headed by Secretary Vince Dizon, said the operator’s failure to implement comprehensive preventive protocols “demonstrates an alarming lack of proactive risk management and a grave breach of duty to the public.”

As a reprieve for motorists affected by the traffic congestion due to repair works, the DOTr has directed NLEX Corp. to suspend the collection of tolls until all four lanes are passable.

“This directive shall remain in force until public convenience, safety, and normal traffic flow are satisfactorily restored,” the letter read, signed by Dizon.

The Marilao Interchange Bridge was again struck by an overheight container on Wednesday, June 18, causing heavy traffic on the NLEX.

According to Marilao police, the impact of the crash detached a girder in the bridge, which fell onto an incoming Asian utility vehicle (AUV), killing one person and injuring several others.

NLEX Corp. has been ordered to provide financial, medical, and logistical assistance to the family of the deceased and the injured parties.

In March, the Marilao Interchange Bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler truck that exceeded its vertical clearance, resulting in severe damage to two bridge girders.

The subsequent repair work resulted in over a week of heavy traffic on the NLEX.

NLEX Corp. waived fees during this period.

The DOTr stated that as a public utility operator, NLEX Corp. bears a legal and moral obligation to maintain the highest standards of safety and service.

As such, the agency is requesting that the company submit a written explanation to justify why it should not impose administrative sanctions.

NLEX Corp. is also directed to submit a safety improvement plan covering the 84-kilometer highway.

The DOTr is recommending that the operator install automated overheight vehicle detection systems, structural retrofitting or protective reinforcement of overhead structures, and protocols for real-time incident reporting and rapid response.

“Failure to comply with these directives shall be deemed a willful violation of your obligations under the STOA (Supplemental Toll Operation Agreement) and related laws, and may warrant the imposition of full regulatory sanctions,” it said.

These sanctions include administrative penalties, suspension of toll collection rights, and revocation or amendment of NLEX’s operating authority under the Toll Regulatory Board and the DOTr.

“The department will not hesitate to enforce all available remedies under law to protect the motoring public and uphold public safety,” the letter read.