President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed relevant government agencies to pursue measures aimed at addressing recurring flooding along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and preventing a repeat of the major traffic disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, Malacañang said.
The order came after flooding hit San Simon and several other portions of NLEX, triggering severe congestion and leaving some motorists stuck on the expressway for hours as authorities implemented traffic diversions and temporary closures.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Thursday, September 3, that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had deployed high-capacity pumps to remove floodwaters from affected portions of the expressway, with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) assisting in the operation.
As part of longer-term flood mitigation efforts, the DPWH and NLEX Corp. have identified the installation of sheet piles along the Tulaoc River to help prevent river water from spilling onto the expressway.
Officials are also considering dredging or deepening the Tulaoc River to increase its water-carrying capacity, particularly for water pumped out of flooded areas, and lessen the possibility of overflow during high tides and prolonged rainfall.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), meanwhile, announced that NLEX Corporation would temporarily suspend toll collection for vehicles traveling between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga, in both directions.
The toll waiver will remain in place until traffic conditions in the affected areas return to normal.
Castro said traffic flow had already improved along northbound portions of NLEX, particularly around the Tulaoc and San Simon interchanges, which experienced some of the most serious effects of the successive rains.
At the Tulaoc interchange, northbound lane one is open to all vehicle classes. Lane two is restricted to Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles, while lane three remains closed.
For southbound motorists, lanes one and two are open to all vehicle classes, while lane three remains inaccessible.
At the San Simon interchange, northbound lane one is open to all vehicles, while lane two is restricted to Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles. Lane three remains closed.
In the southbound direction, lane one is available to all vehicle classes, lane two is open only to Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles, and lane three remains closed.
Despite the restrictions in flood-affected portions, Castro said traffic was generally moving smoothly across the rest of NLEX and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).