Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the government and other concerned agencies to expedite repairing the damaged Marilao Interchange Bridge on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as Holy Week is fast approaching.
In a statement, Gatchalian said he sees no reason for the repairs to take two to three weeks.
“For several days now, the damaged bridge in Marilao Interchange has been causing horrendous vehicular traffic along NLEX especially during peak hours, leading to significant travel delays for many travelers, including Valenzuelanos,” said Gatchalian, a resident of Valenzuela City.
“Walang dahilan para abutin pa ang pagkukumpuni nito ng dalawa hanggang tatlong linggo (I see no reason for the repairs to reach from two to three weeks). I strongly urge NLEX management to complete the repair immediately,” he stressed.
“With Holy Week rapidly approaching, it is crucial that all expressway routes are promptly and thoroughly addressed to ensure a smooth, hassle-free journey for our kababayans who will be traveling for the holiday,” he pointed out.
“Bakit pa magbabayad ng mataas na toll kung sa halip na maginhawa ang biyahe, ang kinakaharap naman ay matinding perwisyo sa traffic (Why pay a high toll fee when instead of a comfortable trip, you are facing severe traffic disruption)?” he lamented.
Earlier, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) asked NLEX to waive toll fees while the repairs on the bridge are still ongoing.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon pointed out NLEX owes it to the public not to impose charges on that particular segment that was affected.