Photo courtesy of NLEX Corporation.
QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) reported that all tollways in the Philippines remained operational and undamaged during the passage of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami).
Despite the inclement weather, the TRB coordinated with tollway operators to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize disruptions to motorists.
In a consolidated situational report on the effects of Tropical Storm Kristine on Toll Expressways, Lawyer Alvin Carullo, executive director of TRB, said that as of 11:59 PM on October 24, 2024, all expressways reported normal operations with no reported damages, water ponding, soil erosion, or landslides.
While most tollways maintained normal operations, some areas experienced light traffic:
- Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX): Light traffic was reported at all toll plazas from 10:18 AM on October 24.
- Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX): Light traffic was reported at Pasig Potrero Bridge (Subic direction closed, counterflow activated at Tarlac direction) at 11:37 AM on October 24.
- NLEX-SLEX Connector Road (NSCR): Water ponding was reported along España and C3 at 9:17 PM on October 24, but the road remained passable for all types of vehicles.
The TRB also reported other significant events during the storm:
- North Luzon Expressway (NLEX): Normal operations were maintained with no reported water ponding, soil erosion, or landslides.
- Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMSS3): Normal operations were maintained with no reported water ponding.
- Metro Manila Skyway Stage 1 and 2: Normal operations were maintained with no reported water ponding.
- NAIA Expressway (NAIAX): Normal operations were maintained with no reported water ponding.
- Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (MCTE) – (also known as “CAVITEX”): No reported damages were incurred as of 11:50 PM on October 24, 2024.
Tollway operators played a crucial role and implemented proactive measures by deploying additional personnel to monitor road conditions and address any potential hazards. The TRB said tollway operators worked closely with local government units and emergency responders to ensure a coordinated response.
The TRB will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone updated, said Carullo. (PIA DMD)
