Overloading on NLEX tackled in BOI meet

MANILA, Philippines — The Board of Investments (BOI) has convened a meeting involving various agencies to tackle the concerns raised by NLEX Corp. and the local government units of Pampanga and Bulacan regarding the issue of overloaded trucks on the North Luzon Expressway.

“As a result of the discussions, participants in the inter-agency meeting agreed on actions to be taken to address the concerns of both NLEX and the LGUs, including revisiting the implementing rules and regulations of RA 8794,” the BOI said, referring to the “Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle User’s Charge on Owners of all Types of Motor Vehicles and for Other Purposes.”

During the meeting, representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways said this is very timely as it has already formed a special committee to review the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 8794.

The BOI said it was agreed in the meeting that revisions to the IRR should include the new types of trucks not previously in the truck classification, and provide an updated computation of the gross vehicle weight to include the dimensions of the trucks.

In addition, it was also proposed that there should be additional installation and operation of weighbridge stations and portable weighing machines at strategic locations along national roads for the implementation of the anti-overloading law.

The concerned parties also agreed to revisit the policy on penalties imposed on overloading to prevent the passage of overloaded trucks through the national roads.

“The attendees will set up another meeting to involve other relevant agencies and discuss the proposed amendments to the IRR of RA 8792 and the guidelines on the importation of heavy vehicles,” the BOI said.

NLEX Corp. holds the concession for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), a 105-kilometer project that is the main artery of Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

Since August 2022, NLEX Corp. has been implementing a 33-ton gross vehicle weight restriction on the Candaba Viaduct southbound along NLEX because of its structural condition. The said restriction was based on a thorough study and affirmed by the DPWH, which is stricter than the 45-ton maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) allowed under RA 8794.

During the meeting, a representative of NLEX Corp. made a presentation on the maximum allowable GVW as mandated under RA 8794.

“NLEX conducted weighing activities for trucks traversing NLEX, and it was found out that heavy trucks carrying sand traversing the north and south bounds exceeded the permissible axle load limit and GVW as prescribed under RA 8794. These kinds of trucks are not included in the matrix of truck classifications prepared by DPWH,” the BOI said.

The provincial governments of Pampanga and Bulacan said that if the overloading issue persists, it could result in damaged roads.

“The ramifications of this are costly for the concerned LGUs, as it may increase the cost of maintaining and rehabilitating the public roads.

This will also negatively impact the investment potential of the said provinces as investors place emphasis on good infrastructure, including roads, when deciding on the location of their projects,” the BOI said.

Other matters discussed were the policies of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) on the importation of such trucks and the issuance of permits to use regular roads and highways.

According to the LTO, as long as the truck being imported is compliant with GVW limitations, it is permitted to be registered with LTO. There was also discussion on the structure and load capacity of roads, where DPWH said that roads and bridges are designed to have a maximum load of 33 tons.