NLEX operator ordered to explain traffic congestion due to flooding

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation has been ordered to explain the heavy traffic caused by flooding in San Simon, Pampanga, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DOTr said its Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) issued a Notice to Explain (NTE) to NLEX Corp. dated Aug. 31, requiring the company to respond within three days.

NLEX Corp. was also directed to consider reimbursing toll fees paid by Class 1 motorists who were forced to make U-turns along the expressway because of the flooding.

The DOTr also said NLEX must implement faster and more efficient advisories during heavy rains and flooding, including through text messages to motorists.

“Our toll operators should be proactive. They should anticipate which areas need to be monitored, especially when heavy rains are approaching, so motorists can immediately know which parts of the expressway are flooded or difficult to pass through and avoid them,” Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said.

“They should immediately receive advisories, such as text messages, so they can plan better and avoid getting stuck in traffic,” he added.

Since Sunday, thousands of vehicles have been stranded along portions of the NLEX near the San Simon Interchange and Tulaoc Exit in Pampanga due to flooding caused by the overflowing Pampanga River.

Motorists have complained of being stuck on the expressway for hours, with some enduring hunger and fatigue as they waited for the traffic to ease and be able to pass the flooded highway.

They recalled that the same problem occurred in 2023, suggesting that the expressway operator had yet to take sufficient measures to address flooding at the San Simon Interchange.

According to the DOTr, NLEX Corporation must also submit proposed measures to mitigate the impact of flooding and traffic congestion and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), an attached agency of the DOTr, was earlier instructed to deploy additional personnel in San Simon to support efforts to mitigate flooding in the area.

The DOTr said it is also coordinating closely with the TRB, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in implementing additional measures.

These measures include sandbagging, continuous pumping of floodwater, installing flood barriers, and diverting vehicles to alternative routes. — MCG, GMA News