No Lent road works on expressways — MPTC

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no road works along the expressways in Luzon during the Holy Week, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) announced yesterday.

The suspension of road repairs and construction is part of the annual ”Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” motorist assistance program of the MPTC during the Holy Week, said Glenn Campos, Manila North Tollways Corp. vice president for technology and operations management.

Campos said the daily volume of 280,000 vehicles on the North Luzon Expressway(NLEX), Subic- Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) is expected to increase by 15 percent  during the Lenten break.

He said vehicle volume on Cavitex is projected to rise by 10 to 15 percent from the daily average of 135,000 vehicles.

“For those going north, heavy volume of vehicles is expected in the afternoon of April 12 until late morning of April 13. Those going back to Manila may expect a surge in traffic in the afternoon of April 15 until the early morning of April 17,” the MPTC said.

Campos said around 800 crew and toll tellers as well as 68 patrol vehicles would also be deployed to assist motorists.

At least 30 collection points will be installed at the toll plaza in Balintawak, 15 on Mindanao Avenue, 29 in Tarlac and 12 in Tipo. A total of 53 booths will be opened at the Bocaue toll plaza  on April 15 and 16.

The MPTC said they would also provide free calls and Wi-Fi, basic mechanic services, first aid treatment and drinking water in designated areas  along the expressways from April 12 to 16.