Holy Week traffic on NLEX seen to peak at 493,000 daily

ZIPPER LANES North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) management has put up zipper lanes along the southbound lanes in Pulilan, Bulacan area on Wednesday to provide North Luzon-and Central Luzon-bound motorists a safe travel as the start of the Holy Week exodus begins. An NLEx personnel says traffic flow is disrupted due to a stalled vehicle. —CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE

PULILAN, BULACAN—An influx of motorists from Northern and Central Luzon is expected on major toll roads beginning Wednesday, as Holy Week travel gets underway.

Traffic volume along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and the NLEx Connector is projected to peak at 493,000 vehicles daily, marking a significant increase in holiday road travel this year.

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the operator of these expressways, reported a 10-percent rise in Lenten season motorists compared to previous years.

Regular traffic along NLEx increased to 350,000 vehicles per day, up from 320,000 in 2023, while the NLEx Connector now sees 19,000 vehicles daily, compared to 17,000 previously. SCTEx traffic remains steady at 79,000 to 80,000 vehicles daily for both 2024 and 2025.

To manage the expected surge and ensure smooth travel, MPTC has launched its annual “Biyaheng Arangkada Semana Santa (Accelerated Holy Week Travel)” motorist assistance program, to run from April 16 (Holy Wednesday) to April 21.

MPTC President and CEO Jose Ma. Lim said the initiative prioritizes road safety, efficiency and passenger comfort throughout the summer vacation period, especially during peak travel dates.

According to Lim, the program includes enhanced roadside assistance, traffic management and support services across the expressway network.

Assistance

The company has deployed over 2,000 personnel since April 8 to manage traffic flow, provide emergency aid and assist motorists in need.

MPTC also strengthened toll plaza operations, improved Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) awareness and promoted responsible driving practices to maintain efficient travel.

The Biyaheng Arangkada initiative includes 24/7 emergency services, with roadside assistance teams and medical units stationed along key points of the expressways.

MPTC is also offering free basic mechanical services at designated Rest and Refuel Stations, including minor repairs and checkups.