NLEX speeds up Marilao bridge repair

NLEX Corp. on Saturday announced that it has begun expediting repair works on the Marilao overpass bridge, which was struck by a trailer truck twice in the past three months.

In a statement, the NLEX Corp. said the bridge was constructed before the rehabilitation of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and has a vertical clearance of 4.27 meters in both directions.

"It is not part of the NLEX Concession, nonetheless, NLEX conducts necessary repairs on the bridge to ensure its structural integrity of the NLEX motorists," NLEX said in a statement.

"For the past several years, NLEX has actively sought support from the government for the structural upgrading of the bridge," it added.

NLEX also said it is offering to construct a new bridge, aside from fixing the damaged bridge.

"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 March 19, the Marilao overpass bridge sustained damage after a truck that exceeded the bridge's vertical clearance struck it, causing road closures along two northbound lanes near Marilao in Bulacan.

On Wednesday, one person was killed and six were injured after another truck struck the bridge's bottom portion.

Toll fees are waived at the NLEx northbound area from Balintawak in Quezon City to Meycauayan, Bulacan, starting at 1 a.m. on Sunday until midnight on Monday to facilitate the immediate repair of the bridge.

"To facilitate the immediate repairs of the Marilao Overpass Bridge, which sustained severe damage from a truck violating regulations, NLEX Corporation will implement temporary toll relief on the northbound portion of the expressway from Balintawak to Meycauayan," NLEX said.

"Appropriate traffic management measures will be in place to minimize motorists' inconvenience while works are expeditiously undertaken. We ask for the motoring public's patience and understanding."