DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation to immediately suspend the collection of toll fees in areas which may be affected by heavy traffic amid the ongoing repair of the Marilao Bridge.
In a letter to NLEX Corp., Dizon expressed profound concern and disappointment over the recurring incidents of overheight vehicles striking critical infrastructure along NLEX.
He said the incident Wednesday, June 18, where a container truck hit the underside of the Marilao Bridge on the northbound lane, which caused a metal girder to fall and crush another vehicle behind it, was an “unacceptable failure of operational diligence" on the part of NLEX.
“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,” Dizon said in the letter.
A 54-year-old man died due to the incident while six others were wounded. The casualties were passengers of the vehicle hit by the girder.
In March, the Marilao Bridge underwent repair after it was struck by an 18-wheeler truck also causing the damage of the girder.
It caused monstrous traffic affecting thousands of motorists for at least two week.
Dizon directed NLEX to shoulder the medical requirements of the victims and to provide them with financial assistance.
The DOTr is also asking for a written explanation from NLEX on why they should not be sanctioned, including possible suspension or modification of their toll collection privileges for non-compliance with safety obligations. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)