Travelers endure heavy traffic at NLEX ahead of New Year

Travelers have to endure the holiday rush at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) as many Filipinos go home to their provinces to spend the New Year with their loved ones.

Four families of the Espelita clan heading towards Castillejos, Zambales were stuck in the build up of traffic at the expressway, according to a 24 Oras report by Mariz Umali on Friday.

However, the traffic was not as heavy compared to December 23, 24 and 29, as the traffic congestion was felt only in both lanes of the Candaba viaduct.

"Meron po talagang naiwan na one lane po na hindi natin mabubuksan... hanggang first quarter po ng next year. Ginagawan natin ng paraan nagka-counterflow po tayo dun sa northbound, binabalance po namin yung pag-open ng counterflow dyan," said NLEX Senior Traffic Manager Robin Ignacio.

(There is one lane that we cannot open until the first quarter next year. But we are doing all we can to ease the traffic flow by allowing counterflow for the northbound lane. We try to balance the access to the counterflow lane there.)

Bottleneck traffic was also noticeable at the Bocaue Exit, particularly at the curve going to Governor Halili Street, where rows of firecracker stores are located.

Vehicles without RFID also add to the build up  of vehicles, particularly at toll plazas.

NLEX eyes adding cash lanes as a solution.

From the previous three cash lanes, the Balintawak Toll Plaza added four more to accommodate more vehicles. -- Jamil Santos/BAP, GMA Integrated News