In March, the Marilao Interchange Bridge was hit by a couple of trucks that temporarily put the northbound side of NLEX partially out of commission.

Well, three months later, the bridge was “struck by an overheight truck” once again. The expressway operator made sure to point out that the bridge “has a vertical clearance of 4.27m at both directions,” which obviously makes it prone to tall trucks. NLEX management also said this:

“It is not part of the NLEX Concession; nonetheless, NLEX conducts necessary repairs on the bridge to ensure its structural integrity for the safety of NLEX motorists.

“For the past several years, NLEX has actively sought support from the government for the structural upgrading of the bridge. In the interest of public safety, NLEX offers to construct a new and upgraded bridge to support the plans of the relevant national and local government agencies.”

Now, as the bridge is being repaired, NLEX Corporation is extending “temporary toll relief” to motorists on northbound NLEX from Balintawak to Meycauayan. To be specific, this part of NLEX will waive toll collection tomorrow (June 22), from 1am to 12 midnight.

“Appropriate traffic management measures will be in place to minimize motorists’ inconvenience while works are expeditiously undertaken,” NLEX Corporation said. “We ask for the motoring public’s patience and understanding.”

Needless to say, this portion of NLEX is now congested, which explains why the toll relief is necessary. If you are going north and using NLEX, be prepared to be trapped in traffic. At least, toll is free.