Lenten exodus causes traffic in tollways

MANILA, Philippines—The increasing number of vehicles leaving Metro Manila has caused heavy traffic in some tollways, traffic officials said this Maundy Thursday.

At the North Luzon Expressway, Arlyn Balatbat said motorists were now experiencing heavy traffic at the Balintawak Toll Plaza, Dau Toll Plaza, and at the Mindanao Avenue entry.

She said the bumper-to-bumper situation in these areas started Wednesday evening.

It’s the same situation at the Calamba Toll Plaza where the line of vehicles has reached three kilometers, said Christy Nelleno.

“And as we can see, the number of vehicles is continuously increasing,” Nelleno said.

This isn’t so, however, at the Alabang Viaduct all the way to Sta. Rosa on the South Luzon Expressway is currently light to moderate, said Nelleno.

She said 33 ambulances were deployed along SLEX to assist motorists who may need immediate medical attention.

In a separate report, Philippine National Police spokesman, Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., said in a text advisory that the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway was experiencing moderate to heavy traffic at the Tarlac exit, and light to moderate traffic at the McArthur Highway.

“All roads and bridges are passable to all types of vehicles,” he added.