MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has approved the opening of the Libtong and Pandayan exit ramps along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to ease traffic congestion in the city of Meycauayan in Bulacan province.
The construction of the PHP 31.5 million exit ramps by the NLEX Corporation is seen to reduce the vehicular buildup along the Meycauayan Interchange which extends up to a part of the expressway.
“The new exits hope to relieve rush hour traffic congestion at the Meycauayan Interchange,” NLEX Corporation President Rodrigo E. Franco said.
The company has undertaken traffic improvement measures in Meycauayan which included the construction of additional exits, signalization of the east roundabout, and expansion of the southbound toll plaza to address traffic buildup at the interchange.
Once these enhancements are implemented, the traffic congestion along Meycauayan Interchange will be generally reduced translating to lesser delays and shorter travel times especially during peak periods.
Meanwhile, Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica cited the role of DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade in enabling the traffic improvement program in Meycauayan while Mayor Henry Villarica said the city government of Meycauayan is committed to support the traffic decongestion program of the NLEX Corporation.
“A comprehensive traffic management plan has been made in coordination with the NLEX management for the long-term traffic solutions in our City,” according to Mayor Villarica.
The city government has deployed more traffic enforcers that will manage the flow of vehicles and ensure pedestrian safety. It has also implemented traffic ordinances to prevent illegal parking and improper loading and unloading of passengers.
Vehicular traffic on both the east and west directions of the Camalig-Iba-Malhacan roads in Meycauayan has increased as the city, which is also known for its leather and jewelry businesses, has hosted a vast number of manufacturing and industrial compounds which contribute to significant truck traffic.
Aside from Meycauayan, the NLEX Corporation has also built a new exit at the southbound portion of Lingunan, Valenzuela City to address the surge in the number of motorists using the exit in Paso de Blas, Valenzuela City. Aerol Patena/PNA-northboundasia.com