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Road audit shows NLEX has adequate safety features

June 16, 2008

A Road Safety Audit conducted recently at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) showed that Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) has adequately addressed safety concerns on the 84-kilometer tollway.

The audit conducted by Mott Connell Ltd., a prominent engineering and management consultancy firm based in Hong Kong, showed that there were relatively few accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities at the NLEX, compared to roads of similar nature elsewhere in the country.

The audit also indicated that majority of the accidents were mainly due to driver error or vehicle fault. It further recommended preventive or corrective measures for identified potential hazards.

MNTC subjects itself regularly to Road Safety Audit, consistent with the Lopez-owned company's policy of taking a proactive approach to ensuring transportation safety at the NLEX.  MNTC has put in place innovative safety features that enhance the safety of motorists along the expressway.

Hong Kong-based Mott Connell Ltd., jointly owned by the Mott MacDonald and Connell Wagner Groups, carried out the Road Safety Audit for the NLEX in accordance with guidelines set by Great Britain's Department of Transport.

This recent Road Safety Audit, late last year is the second evaluation process, sought to verify whether the recommendations made in an earlier audit. The first audit in October 2000 was conducted during the construction phase. Mott Connel recommended installation of signage at interchanges and pavement marking extensions.

This recent audit also reviewed accident data in the operational phase to determine whether any serious problems arose from similar causes or common factors. The audit also recommended measures to reduce or eliminate problems.

The first audit in October 2000 was conducted during the construction phase. Mott Connel recommended installation of signage at interchanges and pavement marking extensions.

MNTC on its own initiative, added new safety features - like speed stopping lane (SSL), rumble strips, Brifen wire rope safety fence, among other features.

The SSL, also called emergency arrester bed located at the northbound approach to the Balintawak Toll Barrier, consists of gravel that reduces vehicles' momentum when their brakes fail. This allows the driver to stop the vehicle safely. From June 2003 to February 2008, at least 10 vehicles have used the SSL, preventing serious, if not ftal, consequences.

Rumble strips, which are thermoplastic paint lane markings perpendicular to the direction of travel, are designed to alert inattentive or drowsy drivers. As the vehicle passes over the rumble strips, the driver is literally shaken up with the noise and vibration. The strips also alert motorists that they are approaching a nearby structure.

MNTC has placed rumble strips in four areas: the northbound approach to the Balintawak Toll Barrier, southbound approach to the Bocaue Toll Barrier, northbound approach to the Dau Toll Barrier, and at the Sta. Rita entrance gate approach.

MNTC has also set up the Brifen wire rope safety fence, considered the latest in barrier systems, at the San Fernando Interchange median area. It is a high tension roadside cable barrier system that absorbs the impact of an errant vehicle, prevents the vehicle from crossing the barrier, and redirects it back to normal traffic flow. This safety measure minimizes injuries and vehicular damage.

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