NLEX braces for traffic buildup on All Saints’ Day

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Pacific Tollways, Manila North Tollways Corp., and Tollways Management Corp. are readying their motorist assistance program to help travelers and help ease the heavy traffic volume expected during the long All Saints’ Day break.

The “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko” program, which will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, will provide free first aid, 24-hour mechanical services, and Wi-Fi Internet connection in designated locations along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) for motorists headed in both directions.

The NLEX management said it would beef up its manpower to respond to expected traffic build-up in the Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue and Dau toll plazas from the afternoon of Oct. 31 to early morning of Nov. 1.

Traffic is also expected to be heavy at the Bocaue toll plaza in Bulacan as vacationers head back to Metro Manila on Nov. 2, 3 and 4.

An average of 160,000 vehicles pass through NLEX daily, and the tollway firm’s management expects this to increase by 15 percent during the four-day “Undas” break.

To ease the burden, spare lanes will be opened on Oct. 3 and Nov. 1 at Dau and on Nov. 3 and 4 at the Bocaue toll plaza.

Ambulant tellers will also be on standby at Balintawak and Mindanao Avenue on the first two days, and at the Bocaue toll plaza when vacationers head back to Metro Manila.

Additional traffic management and security personnel will also be deployed to ensure the safety and security of motorists.

NLEX also came up with the North Luzon Integrated Travel and Advisory System (NLigtas) mobile application, which will make real-time traffic updates accessible via smartphones.

NLEX said maintenance work will be limited along roadsides and shoulders from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4.

For assistance or inquiries, motorists can call the NLEX hotlines (02) 3-5000 or (02) 580-8910.