APALIT Fourth district Representative Anna York Bondoc is drumming up the call to immediately open alternate routes from North Luzon to Metro Manila.
Bondoc said the immediate construction and opening will prevent the foreseen increase in prices of goods and services in Metro Manila.
The solon has been warning the public about the possible price hike in construction materials, food commodities and other goods and services.
This is due to the truck load limit being imposed by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to give way to the rehabilitation of the Candaba Viaduct.
Quarry haulers from Pampanga have to reduce their weight limit to continue carrying construction materials to Metro Manila and parts of South Luzon.
This means that their transportation and operational expenses have gone up, forcing them to rise their prices.
According to Philippine Daily Inquirer report, price of unfiltered sand have gone up to P1,500 per cubic meter (cu. m) in Luzon as of August 19.
This is triple than the P550 per cu. m. price prior to the closure of the NLEx to heavy trucks.
“Ang dami pong consequences dahil sa pagsara ng NLEX sa malaking trucks. Please note, ang 33-ton limit nila ay mas mababa sa legal limit. So, medium trucks nalang ang makakadaan. For how long? Hindi nila sinasabi,” she said.
Bondoc is proposing for the swift completion and opening of the NLEx Sto. Tomas tollway to provide alternative entry and exit ways for the vehicles.
The construction of the said tollway including the service and access roads going to MacArthur Highway is currently ongoing.
It is located in Barangay Sto. Rosario Pau in the said town.
Bondoc also said more bypass roads needs to be constructed immediately to prevent congestion of vehicles in the MacArthur Highway.
The major thoroughfare is also currently undergoing rehabilitation due to its dilapidated state.
“Buksan na po natin ang bagong Sto. Tomas Pampanga exit at tapusin ang mga bypass roads and bridges para mabilis makaabot ang mga trak sa Metro Manila sa murang halaga ng pasahe,” she said.