NLEX working closely with gov’t agencies, LGUs on long-term flood solutions

NLEX Corp., the operator of the North Luzon Expressway, on Tuesday said it is working closely with relevant government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to provide long-term solutions to the flooding as adverse weather conditions brought by Typhoon Crising and Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) rains rendered the major thoroughfare impassable for several hours.

In a statement, NLEX Corp. said safety remains its top priority as it encouraged motorists to monitor official weather bulletins and avoid non-essential travel during this time.

The toll roads operator said that on July 21, 2025 continuous rains brought by Crising and the Southwest Monsoon caused the surrounding rivers and creeks in Valenzuela and Meycauyan to overflow. 

“It resulted in flooding at certain portions of NLEX, despite the continuous operations of pumping stations,” the company said.

“These led to the temporary closures of Balintawak Cloverleaf and the Valenzuela Northbound and Southbound portions, including several expressway entry and exit points,” it said.

NLEX Corp. said it immediately deployed teams to monitor the situation, assess water levels, and provide on-site assistance. 

Patrol and emergency teams were mobilized to open U-turn slots and redirect vehicles to safer routes, it added.

“At around 8 p.m., both directions at the Balintawak Cloverleaf were passable to all types of vehicles,” the company said.

NLEX Corp. said it provided drinking water and snacks to assist stranded motorists. 

“Regular traffic bulletins were also posted through our official social media channels to guide motorists and help ensure their safety,” it said.

“By July 22, 1:30 a.m., flood waters had subsided in Valenzuela and Meycauyan, and all toll plazas and entry/exit ramps of NLEX, SCTEX, and NLEX Connector have been opened,” it added.

NLEX Corp. expressed gratitude to the public “for their patience and cooperation as we work to ensure everyone’s safety.”

“For more updates and real-time traffic advisories, please follow our official social media pages, NLEX Corporation,” the company said. — Ted Cordero/RF, GMA Integrated News