NLEX reopens Marilao lanes after repairs

The four northbound lanes of the Marilao segment of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) have been reopened after completion of repairs on the interchange bridge that was damaged by an oversized truck.

Originally scheduled for completion within two weeks, the private operator expedited the repairs on bridge after swiftly delivering the fabricated steel needed for the infrastructure.

On March 19, an 18-wheeler truck exceeding vertical clearance struck the bridge, causing severe damage to two bridge girders.

This resulted in a week-long bumper-to-bumper traffic in the expressway, which led the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to call for a toll holiday within the stretch of Balintawak to Marilao.

NLEX Corp. obliged with this call, with tolls waived “until all four lanes of the Marilao northbound area are reopened.” Resumption of toll collection will be announced soon.

While all lanes are now passable, supporting steel poles will remain on the lanes to allow “concrete curing of the bridge.”

NLEX Corp. said, “We thank the motoring public for their utmost understanding and patience while repairs were ongoing.”

DOTr thanked NLEX Corp. for its swift work in repairing the damaged bridge. The agency expects the return of normal travel times.

“This shows the commitment and dedication of both the DOTr and its partners like NLEX Corp. to respond quickly to problems such as this to try and provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience for all Filipinos,” it said.