Exec: Heavy traffic on NLEX starting Wednesday afternoon

NLEX. INQUIRER FILE

Motorists and commuters should brace for heavier traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the afternoon of Holy Wednesday and the morning of Maundy Thursday, an official said.

In an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990 AM, NLEX spokesperson Kiko Dagohoy said they were expecting the volume of motorists plying the North expressway to increase this afternoon until Friday.

Motorists traveling back to the Metro will likewise increase by Sunday to Monday morning, he added.

“Yung inaasahan natin na pagkapal ng volume ito’y maaring mamayang hapon at bukas ng umaga dahil marami ang dagsa ng pauwi ng probinsya para mag Holy Week. At sa south bound naman pauwi ng Manila ay sa araw ng Linggo hanggang Monday morning ang pagkapal,” he said.

The NLEX official said they were expecting a 15 to 20 percent increase from the average 300,000 motorists traversing the expressway because of the Holy Week vacation.

Assistance centers at gasoline stations, as well as mechanics, and first-aid services will be available for motorists starting Thursday until Sunday, Dagohoy said.

He said the NLEX administration already opened additional ticketing booths and collection points especially at the Bocaue and Mindanao exits to prevent long lines.

This year’s Semana Santa began last March 25, Palm Sunday, and will last until April 1, Easter Sunday. March 29 to 30 have been declared regular holidays, while March 31 is a special non-working day. /cbb