Truck driver in NLEX bridge mishap nabbed, charged

MALOLOS, Philippines – The driver of a truck that figured in an accident along the Marilao Interchange Bridge of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Marilao, Bulacan on Wednesday has been arrested.

Authorities said the driver is now under the custody of the Marilao police and is facing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said it would take at least two weeks to complete the repair of the bridge.

If things go as planned, NLEX Corp. will be able to fix the infrastructure at least a week prior to the usual Lenten travel surge, which is from April 13 to 20.

Over the next two weeks, heavy traffic is expected in the area as two northbound lanes of the expressway have to be closed to make way for the repair.

NLEX Corp. said it would open a zipper lane along the southbound lane if possible.

It posted on social media alternate routes for motorists to take to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

Motorists heading for Manila from Bulacan and Pampanga may exit at the Bocaue Interchange, take MacArthur Highway and reenter NLEX through Meycauayan.

In going back, motorists may exit Karuhatan, Paso de Blas or Meycauayan, slip through MacArthur Highway and reenter NLEX through Ciudad de Victoria in Bocaue.

Col. Satur Ediong, Bulacan police director, said the accident occurred at around 3 a.m. along NLEX’s northbound lane in Barangay Patubig.

Reports said the 18-wheeler truck exceeded the vertical clearance of the infrastructure.

The truck is reportedly 4.9 meters high, while the vertical clearance is only 4.27 meters.

The vehicle was brought to the NLEX impounding area in Pulilan.

NLEX Corp. said it has assessed the damage caused by the accident and found the need to replace two of the bridge girders.

The company committed to restore the bridge as soon as possible to revert the tollway to normal traffic flow.

It vowed to enforce traffic measures to ease travel.