Toll way firm unveils plan to manage holiday rush traffic at NLEX, SCTEX

NLEx-SCTEx integration which aims to provide seamless journey between the two expressways. RON LOPEZ / INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON

MANILA, Philippines — The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) are ready for the anticipated 10 percent surge in traffic volume during the holiday season.

NLEX Corp. said Monday NLEX-SCTEX traffic personnel have started to render extended working hours since December 14 as they expected peak travel season to begin by third week of this month.

The concessionaire of NLEX-SCTEX said traffic personnel would assist motorists and closely monitor traffic conditions at Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, Bocaue, Luisita, Tarlac, and Tipo toll plazas; and SCTEX Mabacalat ramps and fuel stations along expressways.

NLEX Corp. said that during peak hours of December 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29, the Balintawak Toll Plaza will open a maximum of 28 toll collections points while Mindanao Avenue and Tarlac toll plazas will have a maximum of 10 and 28 collection points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Bocaue Toll Plaza will open 44 toll collections.

Portabooths and portable toll collection units will also be employed to lessen waiting time at toll plazas. Starting December 25-27 and January 1-2, Bocaue Toll Plaza will open around 50-60 toll collection points to serve motorists bound for Metro Manila.

Tarlac Toll Plaza will increase entry lanes to five instead of the usual three entry lanes. Tellers at the plaza will also be prepared to issue pre-encoded transit tickets to motorists bound to the south, NLEX Corp. said.

Two additional toll lanes at Angeles, one at Mexico, one at San Fernando southbound entry, and two at San Fernando southbound exit will likewise be operational in time for the holidays.

Counter flow lanes in strategic areas would also be implemented to ensure smooth traffic flow in case of untoward incidents, according to the toll way company.

Moreover, NLEX Corp. said free towing services will be made available to the nearest exit for Class 1 vehicles from 6 a.m. of December 22 until 11:59 p.m. of December 23, and from 6 a.m. of January 1 until 11:59 p.m. of January 2.

All these were part of NLEX Corp.’s “Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” motorist assistance program in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko is spearheaded by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) to ensure “hassle-free travel” during the holidays, NLEX Corp. said. /kga