Vehicles weighing less than 33 tons can still use the Candaba Viaduct southbound of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) but are subject to weighing or visual inspection as the tollway company implements
restrictions as a safety precaution.
NLEX Corporation Vice President for Asset Management Division Jennifer Jane Go informed motorists of the guidelines implemented for southbound entries from San Simon to Sta Ines, including Mabiga interchange in Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).
The safety precaution has been endorsed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Transportation (DOTr)-Toll Regulatory Board (TRB).
Go said trucks with 10 wheels or below may be allowed entry subject to weighing.
“For loose cargo, load must be leveled. Truck(s) must pass both maximum axle and gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits to be allowed entry. Failed trucks will be issued with citation tickets and will be asked to turn around,” she said in a letter to Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines Inc. (CTAP) President Maria Zapata.
Go said empty trucks with 12 wheels or more may also be allowed entry subject to visual inspection or confirmation by NLEX personnel that the truck is empty.
“Once confirmed, a stub will be issued to the driver for presentation to the San Simon mainline checkpoint,” she said.
However, loaded trucks with 12 wheels or more are for diversion and are no longer subject to weighing, she said.
For diverted trucks, Go said NLEX Corp. has coordinated with DPWH and obtained its commitment to complete the upgrading works along MacArthur highway at Apalit, Pampanga in three months which can be
used as a diversion route.
“For the time being, we, together with DPWH, have identified the route through Olongapo-Gapan road to Gapan, Nueva Ecija then through Daang Maharlika and Plaridel Bypass Road as the next viable alternative,” she said.
Go further said that for other parts of the expressway, particularly south of viaduct harbor link and SCTEX, the axle and GVW limits under Republic Act (RA) No. 8794 will remain in effect.
RA No. 8794 is also known as the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC).
Myrna Bituin, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (PHILEXPORT) trustee for the furniture sector, said the most urgent issue for businesses from the northern regions is the impending repair of the NLEX.
“That will force us to re-route cargo transportation through Nueva Ecija, adding at least nine hour travel time before we reach the Manila ports,” she said during the group’s third quarterly general membership meeting.
Bituin said the concerned local government unit (LGU) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office are discussing ways to address the issue immediately.