North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) will waive toll payments for motorists traversing the northbound portion of the Balintawak to Marilao stretch starting Monday, March 24, while repairs on the damaged interchange bridge are underway.
NLEX Corp. made this announcement in response to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon’s call to temporarily lift the toll to alleviate motorists from bumper-to-bumper traffic near the bridge.
The toll relief starts at 12 noon today, covering the northbound entries at toll plazas in Balintawak, Karuhatan, Mindanao Avenue, Paso de Blas, Lawang Bato, and Meycauayan.
“This relief will remain in effect until all four lanes of the Marilao northbound area are reopened,” NLEX Corp. said.
Marilao interchange bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler truck exceeding vertical clearance on March 19.
This resulted in severe damage to two bridge girders, prompting the need to be replaced.
Dizon has pushed for the repair work to be completed within a week after the operator initially said it would take around two weeks.
NLEX Corp. has since agreed to further expedite the repair, with a plan to open all four lanes by 11 p.m. on Friday.
In an advisory on its Facebook page, it announced that lanes two and three near the area of Marilao bridge will be temporarily closed starting today.
Only the leftmost and rightmost lanes will be passable for motorists.
A zipper lane in the southbound route will be opened when conditions allow.
NLEX Corp. said motorists should “expect heavy traffic,” and consider taking alternate routes.
“We ask for the motoring public’s patience and understanding as we fast-track repairs and work to restore normal traffic flow as soon as possible,” it stated.
In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) extended its gratitude to NLEX Corp. for heeding its call for a toll holiday.
“This swift action between the government and the private sector shows commitment to helping commuters as this immediate solution will help ease the burden of the affected motorists and passengers while we work on opening all affected lanes the soonest possible time,” the DOTr said.