NLEX offers to build new, safer Marilao interchange bridge

Following a fatal accident caused by an overheight truck, the operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has expressed willingness to construct a new and upgraded Marilao Interchange Bridge in Bulacan.

In a statement issued Friday, NLEX Corp. said it is accelerating repair work on the damaged bridge segment while offering to replace the decades-old structure in the interest of public safety.

This comes after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered the toll operator to justify why it should not be sanctioned over recurring incidents involving the bridge. The DOTr also directed the company to temporarily suspend toll collection and present a safety improvement plan.

While clarifying that the Marilao Interchange Bridge is under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Bulacan and not included in its concession agreement, NLEX Corp. emphasized its continued maintenance efforts.

“The bridge was constructed prior to the NLEX rehabilitation and is not part of the expressway concession. Nevertheless, we have conducted necessary repairs to maintain structural safety,” the firm said.

The bridge currently has a vertical clearance of 4.27 meters. Despite appeals to upgrade the structure, NLEX Corp. said changes have not been made by the relevant authorities.

“In the interest of public safety, NLEX offers to construct a new and upgraded bridge to support the plans of national and local government agencies,” it said.

The recent accident occurred on June 19 when an 18-wheeler truck struck the bridge, dislodging a girder that fell onto an incoming vehicle. One person died and several others were injured.

NLEX Corp. has pledged full cooperation with the DOTr, the Toll Regulatory Board, and law enforcement in investigating the incident.

“We are truly saddened by this incident, and our hearts go out to the affected families,” the company said, adding that enforcement against overheight vehicles has since been intensified.

This marks the second major incident at the site this year. In March, a similar crash involving an overheight vehicle caused significant traffic and required week-long repairs.