NLEX ready for Holy Week surge
NLEX Corp. will be on full alert as more than 400,000 motorists are expected to use the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) during the Holy Week break.
The tollway company said on Thursday that 320,000 motorists are expected to use NLEx, 80,000 at SCTEx and around 17,000 at the NLEx Connector.
The NLEX Corp. also said that its 1,500 traffic, toll and system personnel will be in full force as the “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” (SMSK) motorist assistance program will be reactivated from March 22 to April 1, 2024.
Motorists going north were advised to avoid traveling during peak hours for a more convenient expressway experience.
“We are encouraging our motorists to plan their trips well and travel during nonpeak times to avoid possible delays caused by the influx of travelers,” said J. Luigi L. Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corp.
Northbound traffic surge is expected starting at 10 a.m. on March 27 until 2 p.m. on March 28.
For Manila-bound vehicles, high volume traffic is expected from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on March 30 and from 2 p.m. on March 31 up to 8 a.m. of April 1.
To manage traffic effectively, NLEX will deploy additional personnel in high volume areas of its expressways, including the rest and refuel stations.
Incident response teams, tow trucks, and fire trucks will also be strategically stationed for prompt deployment. Additional traffic signages will be installed to better guide the motorists.
For the duration of the SMSK, road works and lane closures along NLEx, SCTEx and NLEx Connector will be suspended except where safety repairs are necessary.
Free towing service to the nearest exit will also be available for class 1 vehicles from 6 a.m. on March 22 until 6 a.m. on March 25; 6 a.m. on March 27 until 6 a.m. on March 29; and 6 a.m. on March 30 until 6 a.m. on April 1.
“As we expect a huge number of vehicles, we appeal to the public for extra patience, cooperation, and discipline. For our part, NLEX will maximize its assets to ensure managed traffic flow, but for a hassle-free travel, make sure that you are in good fit before you drive, observe proper distancing and follow traffic regulations. Also, have your cars and RFID checked ahead of your trip,” Bautista said.
The tollway company also advised motorists to get their Easytrip RFID for faster toll transaction and reminds RFID users to ensure that they have sufficient load before travel to avoid inconvenience.