Traffic starts to build up along NLEX; remains light at SLEX

MANILA, Philippines — Managers overseeing the operations at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) said Wednesday they are prepared for the expected increase in traffic volume during the Holy Week.

NLEX senior traffic manager Robin Ignacio said the number of vehicles traveling from Metro Manila to the northern part of the country started to increase as early as 3 p.m.

The traffic build-up was observed at the Mindanao and Balintawak toll plazas, he said.

But Ignacio said the NLEX management has implemented measures to ease traffic along the expressway such as setting up seven additional collection points at the Tarlac toll plaza.

“‘Yun po yang mga portable booth natin na may tellers. [Meron ding] mga ambulant tellers kung talagang kulang pa yung portable booths,” Ignacio said in an interview over radio station DZMM.

(We have portable booths with tellers. We also have ambulant tellers if the portable booths are not enough.)

Ignacio advised motorists to monitor the live stream at critical points of the expressway in their official social media accounts to stay updated on traffic information.

Meanwhile, SLEX corporate communications head Marlene Ochoa said the traffic situation along the expressway is lighter than the previous years.

“Na-observe namin na hindi kasing laki ng volume ng mga nakaraang taon ngayong mga dumadagsa kasi nung Sabada pa lang, marami ng umuwi so siguro na-distribute yung volume,” Ochoa said.

(We observed that the traffic volume this year is not as heavy as previous years. People started traveling last Saturday, so perhaps the volume was distributed.)

Ochoa, however, said they still deployed additional traffic patrols, toll tellers, and ambulant tellers.

SLEX has also set up emergency booths to assist travelers.

So far, Ochoa said there were no untoward incidents reported along the expressway, but she still reminded the public to stay patient if there is an increase in traffic volume.

“Yung driver dapat nasa mayos na lagay, hindi inaantok, Yung sasakyan din, bago ilabas, siguraduhing hindi hihinto yan o titirik,” Ochoa said.

(The driver must be in good condition and not sleepy. We also advise them to check their vehicles before they leave and make sure they would not stall.) /ee