The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation to immediately suspend toll collection at the northbound segment of the Marilao Interchange after an overheight container truck struck the bridge on Wednesday, June 18 — the second such incident in just three months.
In an official notice to explain and directive, the DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon expressed “profound concern and disappointment” over the repeated failures in preventing overheight vehicles from damaging critical expressway infrastructure.
“This is an unacceptable failure of operational diligence on your part,” the DOTr wrote, addressing the NLEX Corporation.
“Your continued failure to implement comprehensive preventive protocols including but not limited to real-time height monitoring systems, strict enforcement of entry screening for overheight vehicles, and adequate physical deterrents and warnings, demonstrates an alarming lack of proactive risk management and a grave breach of duty to the public," said DOTr.
The department emphasized that toll should not be collected until all four lanes are fully reopened to the public, citing safety concerns and the severe disruption caused by the repeated accidents.
The same bridge was previously hit by another overheight truck in March, leading to major traffic congestion along NLEX.
The incident also resulted in the death of a 54-year-old man and injuries to six others, including a two-year-old child.
The show cause order stated that the NLEX Corp. must submit a written explanation within three working days justifying why administrative sanctions should not be imposed.
NLEX Corp. also directed to provide full financial, medical, and logistical assistance to the families of the victims.
The company must submit a detailed ten-day plan to improve safety, including automated height detection systems, physical deterrents, and improved real-time monitoring protocols.
Dizon warned that failure to comply may result in serious penalties, including the suspension or termination of NLEX Corp.'s toll operating rights.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier instructed the DOTr and Toll Regulatory Board to ensure motorists are compensated for delays and to hold the expressway operator accountable for repeated lapses in safety enforcement.
“Humihingi ng pang-unawa ang DOTr sa ating mga motorista at komyuter dahil sa pangyayaring ito,” the agency stated, assuring the public that repair works are being expedited to restore normal traffic flow.
This is the second time in three months that an overheight vehicle has struck the Marilao Interchange Bridge, sparking public outrage and renewed scrutiny of expressway safety management.
