NLEX told to halt tolls after overheight truck strikes bridge again

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. to stop collecting toll fees at the Marilao northbound segment of the expressway following a deadly crash involving an overheight truck.

The container truck exceeded the maximum height allowance and collided with the Marilao Interchange Bridge on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, the DOTr said.

The impact caused major damage, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

This is not the first time the same structure has been hit by an oversized vehicle. A similar incident occurred in March this year, when another truck struck the bridge, forcing the temporary closure of two lanes.

“The DOTR has directed the NLEX Corp. to immediately suspend collection of toll in the Marilao northbound segment of the expressway until all four lanes are passable after the Marilao Interchange Bridge was again struck by an overheight container truck yesterday," the agency said

The agency also ordered NLEX to provide assistance to those injured in the crash.

The DOTR has issued a show cause order to NLEX, asking it to explain within three working days why the agency should not impose sanctions on the firm.

NLEX must also submit within 10 says a safety improvement plan for the entirety of the northern highway.

Should the NLEX fail to comply with the order, the firm faces administrative penalties, the suspension of toll collection rights, as well as the revocation of operating authority.