The private operator of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) said it is willing to build a “new and upgraded” Marilao Interchange Bridge after it was once again struck by an overheight truck, prompting the government’s ire.
In a statement late Friday, June 20, NLEX Corp. said it has been expediting repair work on the damaged bridge to alleviate traffic congestion at the northbound segment of the expressway in Marilao, Bulacan.
The company was earlier ordered by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to submit a written explanation to justify why it should not face sanctions over the repeated crashes at the structure.
It was likewise ordered to suspend toll collection and submit a safety improvement plan.
NLEX Corp., in response, emphasized that the Marilao Interchange Bridge is not under its supervision but rather the provincial government of Bulacan as part of its road network.
“The bridge was constructed prior to the rehabilitation of the NLEX and presently has a vertical clearance of 4.27 meters at both directions,” the company said.
“It is not part of the NLEX Concession; nonetheless, NLEX conducts necessary repairs on the bridge to ensure its structural integrity for the safety of the NLEX motorists,” it added.
According to NLEX Corp., it has “actively sought” support from the government for the structural upgrading of the bridge; yet, the structure remained unchanged.
“In the interest of public safety, NLEX offers to construct a new and upgraded bridge to support the plans of the relevant national and local government agencies,” it said.
On Wednesday, an overheight 18-wheeler trailer truck struck the Marilao Interchange Bridge. The impact of which detached one of the bridge’s girders which fell onto an incoming Asian utility vehicle (AUV), killing one person and injuring several others.
NLEX Corp. said they are in full cooperation with the DOTr, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the investigation of the incident.
“We are truly saddened by this incident, and our hearts go out to all those affected and their families during this difficult time. We commit our support and assistance as they navigate through this challenging situation,” it said.
The company said it has implemented measures after the incident to ensure enforcement against vehicles which violates height limits.
In March, a truck that exceeded its vertical clearance also crashed into the bridge, which resulted in a week-long heavy traffic due to the succeeding repair work. During this period, NLEX Corp. waived fees.