Traffic on NLEX, SLEX eases on Maundy Thursday

Light traffic was observed at the toll plazas of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) on Maundy Thursday as many Filipinos traveled to the provinces for the Holy Week.

According to the NLEX Corporation, traffic at the Balintawak toll plaza, Balintawak to Dau Northbound, and Tarlac Toll Plaza remained light as of 2 p.m.

However, traffic buildup of approximately 400 meters was seen at the Mindanao Exit.

SLEX

On SLEX, traffic at the Sipit Bridge returned to light as of 1:50 p.m. after heavy traffic buildup at around noon.

Meanwhile, a 300-meter traffic buildup was observed in the northbound lane of the Greenfield area.

The NLEX management earlier said it was expecting a high volume of vehicles on the expressway from Holy Wednesday afternoon until Maundy Thursday.

Northbound zipper lanes from Balintawak to Marilao in Bulacan and from San Fernando to Dau in Pampanga were opened at 2 p.m. on Holy Wednesday until traffic normalizes on Maundy Thursday.

Grass fire

Meanwhile, the north team of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said a grass fire occurred at the southbound lane of NLEX approaching Sta. Rita Exit.

The fire caused zero visibility in the area and prompted patrol assistance. It was also reported to the traffic control room (TCR).

At around 1:08 p.m., there was a long queue of vehicles at the Tarlac Toll Plaza. But the traffic situation at the NLEX Harbour Link NB, Meycauyan NB, San Fernando NB, and San Fernando NB was light. — VBL, GMA Integrated News