MNTC adds 8 more lanes at NLEX Bocaue toll barrier

Just in time for the long weekend, Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) has completed the expansion of the NLEX Bocaue toll barrier from 26 lanes to 34 lanes. This is to cater to the expected increased traffic volume during the holidays.

The additional lanes, which consist of 4 cash, 2 Easytrip, and 2 mixed lanes, amounts to P287 million in construction. Rodrigo Franco, president, and CEO of MNTC, pointed out that these were added to assure smooth and fast toll transactions during peak hours.

 This project is part of MNTC’s continuing commitment to provide motorists with fast, safe and convenient travel and more importantly, value for money in terms of greatly enhanced facilities and services,” he added.

In addition to that, MNTC is also re-implementing “Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” (SMSK) along the NLEX, as well as in the SCTEX and the CAVITEX, which are all operating under Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).

SMSK is the motorist assistance program that ensures hassle-free travel during holidays. It intends to enhance traffic management during “Undas,” which is expected to drive more motorists towards the provinces.

Traffic northbound is anticipated to build up in the afternoon of October 28 until the late morning of November 1. On the other hand, those who will travel back to Manila can expect heavy traffic from the afternoon of October 31 to the morning of November 2.

To compensate on this, NLEX-SCTEX traffic personnel will extend their working hours from October 28 to November 2. They will closely monitor and manage the heavy volume of vehicles in Balintawak, Mindanao Avenue, Bocaue, Tarlac and Tipo toll plazas. CAVITEX will also implement the same measures at the said period.

Moreover, Additional patrol vehicles will also be deployed for needed emergency assistance.

A number of toll collection points will also be added, as well as portabooths and portable toll collection equipment for faster toll transactions. Road works will also be suspended; it will resume on November 3.

Lastly, information and help desks will be set up along NLEX-SCTEX during the holiday period. SMSK Motorist Camps will also be available in Dau rest bay northbound and Floridablanca rest bay. As for CAVITEX, the motorist camps will be situated along the southbound route on October 28 and 29, while the northbound lanes will have this on October 31 and November 1.

All three MPTC-operated expressways will also have free towing services (to the nearest exit) for class 1 vehicles from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.