NLEX toll operator to boost drive vs. overloading

The NLEX Corporation said that it will boost its campaign against vehicle overloading.

The toll regulator for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) issued the statement following the ongoing major upgrade for the Candaba Viaduct.

According to the toll company, it has been strictly enforcing the Republic Act 8794, the law that sets load limitations.

“The anti-overloading program aims to safeguard motorists by not allowing overloaded trucks and trailers from entering the expressways or by asking them to go to the nearest exit as extra load may affect vehicle control,” the company said.

The same statement noted AMH Philippines’ concern that further highlighted the urgency of repairs and the need to impose weight restrictions on vehicles using the structure's southbound portion.

According to AMH Philippines, the Candaba Viaduct’s defects are due to aging, fatigue, and continuous heavy loads that ply the road.

“The first factor is aging. Just like people, aged structures lose their strength over time. Also, subjecting the bridge to heavy loads more than what the bridge was designed for is causing continuous cyclical fatigue stress. Fatigue makes the structure weak and if it continues, its health deteriorates. Here in the Philippines, the usual fatigue life of bridges is 50-60 years, and the Viaduct is nearing that mark,” AMH Philippines Director Roy Luna was quoted as saying.

He also said that based on the reassessment last June, trucks using the southbound viaduct should be a maximum of 10 wheels and must not exceed a gross vehicle weight of 33 tons. He also said that repairs should be done immediately to ensure that the damage will not manifest or transfer in other areas of the bridge.

Putting premium on safety, the NLEX Corporation has communicated with both public and private stakeholders about the planned rerouting of 12-wheeler trucks and up.

NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista said that the rerouting plan is designed to balance the interests of the economy and public safety.

He added that the “NLEX remains committed to addressing the plight of various stakeholders and assures to continue pursuing discussions with relevant national government agencies.”

Aside from explaining the current upgrade, the management likewise mentioned to its stakeholders that it is fast-tracking the construction of a third viaduct, which is expected to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2024.

Back in May 2022, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the truck overloading cases last year was at 34.11 percent.

Photos from NLEX Corporation

Also read:

NLEX Candaba viaduct northbound lane upgrade to start next month

NLEX starts upgrading Candaba Viaduct

NLEX southbound Candaba viaduct slab link upgrade now complete