MANILA, Philippines — As the long weekend draws close, many motorists on Sunday are travelling back to Metro Manila, causing parts of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to experience heavy traffic.
As of 3:16 PM, heavy traffic was reported in the northbound lane of SLEX in Calamba toll plaza and Alabang viaduct with the line of vehicles ending at Calamba Interchange and Susana Heights area, respectively.
MaTES-SLEx Traffic Update as of 3:16 PM: Alabang Viaduct NB: HEAVY ( Traffic tailend at Susana Heights area)/SB: LIGHT; Ayala TP NB/SB: LIGHT; Calamba TP NB: HEAVY (tailend at Calamba Interchange) /SB: LIGHT.
— SLEX – MaTES (@OfficialSLEX) April 21, 2019
Traffic situation on SLEX’s southbound lane, meanwhile, remains light.
SLEX management said it has deployed patrols and ambulant tellers, as well as temporary toll booths, to ease the traffic on the last day of the long weekend.
In NLEX, heavy traffic was reported in the Sta. Rita exit area around 2:19 PM following a minor vehicular accident.
The accident occupied the leftmost lane, causing heavy build-up in the area.
AS OF 02:19 PM, SLOW MOVING AFTER STA. RITA EXIT DUE TO MINOR ACCIDENT AFTER SHELL OF ASIA OCCUPYING LEFTMOST LANE. KEEP SAFE DISTANCE. DRIVE SAFELY. @TRBph pic.twitter.com/AU3ReZVR0g
— NLEX Corporation (@NLEXexpressways) April 21, 2019
All lanes have been cleared up as of 2:37 PM.
NLEX management reminded motorists to ensure they are in right condition before driving.
NLEX gave the following advice to motorists:
Do not go on a long trip if you feel tired.
Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 AM when natural alertness is at a minimum.
Plan your trip to include breaks in between. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes every two hours of driving is recommended.
If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place such as a gasoline station. Do not stop on the shoulder of a motorway as it is only meant for emergencies.
Counter sleepiness by taking a power nap. Fresh air, stretching or turning up the radio may also help. /je