The Toll Regulatory Board said it will look into the disruption of its RFID system at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), which caused huge traffic going to Metro Manila on Thursday.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday meanwhile announced the closure of at least four main streets in Sampaloc, Manila to give way for the ongoing construction of the North and SLEX connector project.
San Miguel Corporation, the SLEX parent company, said the SLEX problem stemmed from the fiber optics of their internet provider, causing a system glitch in RFIDs.
Toll Regulatory Board Spokesperson Julius Corpuz, in an ABS-CBN News report said a probe is underway to prevent the circumstance from happening again.
Corpuz said his office has already reached out to the telco provider of San Miguel Corporation and asked for their comment on the glitch.
Corpuz said among measures they would implement include a regular audit of toll collection systems “to ensure that all machines and systems are always functional.”
The MMDA in its advisory meanwhile stated that the deck slab concrete pouring activity for the NLEX-SLEX connector road project – Section 1 will affect Dimasalang Road corner Maceda Street, Maria Clara Street, and Lacson Avenue.
“Private contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc. will implement the temporary closure starting tonight, November 18, until November 25, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.,” it added.
The MMDA advised affected motorists to take the following alternate routes:
Vehicles coming from Andres Bonifacio and Rizal Avenue going to Lacson and Nagtahan may take Maceda Street and right turn España Boulevard to their destination.
Vehicles coming from Nagtahan going to A. Bonifacio may turn right to España Boulevard and left turn Maceda Street to destination while those from Quiapo going to A. Bonifacio may take right turn Lacson Avenue, left turn España Boulevard and left turn to Maceda Street to destination.
The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project is an eight-kilometer, elevated four-lane toll expressway starting from NLEX Segment 10 at Cimcumferential Road – 3 (C-3 Road) in Caloocan and connecting to South Luzon Expressway through the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project in Manila.
NLEX Corp. awarded to D.M. Consunji Inc. the first section of an elevated expressway connecting the north and south of Metro Manila.
Upon full completion, the connector will significantly cut travel time from NLEX to SLEX by at least 60 percent. Instead of the usual two hours, travel time will be reduced to about 20 minutes.
It will also provide improved accessibility for cargo trucks bound for the Manila ports [North and South Harbor] and the international airports such as Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport.
The Connector would also decongest major thoroughfares such Epifanio del los Santos Avenue and Circumferential Road – 5 (C-5 Road). It is also expected to stimulate economic development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas and their surrounding areas.
Around 35,000 motorists, especially those operating cargo trucks, are expected to benefit from the project.