NLEX, SCTEX, CAVITEX to draw up plans for the Holy Week break

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) is preparing contingency measures ahead of the anticipated surge in vehicle traffic in Metro Manila during the Holy Week break. The group announced the start of its “Safe Trip Mo Sagot Ko” (SMSK) motorist assistance program.
 
MPTC further explained that it expects to see a 15% increase in traffic in these three expressways. The company believes that the SMSK project will ease traffic flow and make it more comfort for passengers as they turn up in droves for the traditional observance of the Holy Week vacation in the provinces.
 
Additional lanes of NLEX will also be made available. NLEX is beefing up its field forces with the development of the said lanes as well as additional exits, and expanding toll plazas and interchanges. At the SCTEX, pavement and traffic management and safety enhancements are also being enhanced for the same purpose. A total cost of P1.8-B has been spent in these improvements along the NLEX and SCTEX.
 
For those going north, the big volume of motorists is expected in the afternoon of April 2 until late morning of April 12. Those traveling back to Manila may expect a heavy volume of vehicles is expected in the afternoon of April 15 until the early morning of April 17.
 
Additional patrol vehicles and enforces would be dispatched from April 7 to 17, to guarantee immediate response to emergency situations and assist travellers. Ambulant toll tellers quipped with portable toll collection gadgets would also be required to work hard to ensure effective traffic management at any given time. In the same vein, all ongoing road works and maintenance activities would be deferred during this time to ensure smooth traffic flow.
 
On April 7, 8, 12 and 13, the Balintawak Toll Plaza will have 30 toll collections points instead of the usual 16. The Mindanao Avenue Toll Plaza will also open a maximum of 15 toll collection points. The Tarlac Toll Plaza’s toll collection points will increase from 5 to 29. And, toll collection points in the Tipo Toll Plaza will become 12 instead of 4.
 
On April 12 to 16, motorists will be enjoy free wifi and phone calls, free basic mechanic services and first aid treatments in selected toll service facilities along NLEX, SCTEX, and CAVITEX to enable them to quickly connect to their loved ones. Class 1 motorists will be given free towing services to the nearest exit from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Free drinking water will also be provided at SMSK Motorist Camps in SCTEX PTT Station Floridablanca lay-by Seaoil Station and CAVITEX Parañaque and Kawit toll plazas.