NLEX operator rolls out flood control measures; eyes long-term pavement elevation

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) on Monday said it has deployed temporary flood mitigation measures to ease traffic after Southwest Monsoon rains submerged portions of the highway.

In a press release, MPTC detailed ongoing operations in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga, which include installing flood barriers, operating siphoning trucks, and intensifying water pumping.

To keep floodwaters off the road, MPTC is placing 300 meter-long concrete barriers along both sides of the highway while opening a counterflow lane for emergency vehicles.

MPTC extended its apologies to motorists who were stranded in long traffic queues.

“We fully understand the frustration of motorists and commuters who spent hours on NLEX,” MPTC said.

“To everyone who endured the ordeal, especially those travelling with children, elderly passengers or family members needing medical attention, we are deeply sorry for what you went through,” it added.

Traffic advisories issued by NLEX Corporation on Monday reported severe congestion at the Tulaoc and San Simon interchanges.

For a long-term fix, MPTC plans to further elevate the northbound and southbound pavements in Tulaoc, which had previously been elevated by about 0.7 meters.

“Further raising can proceed once the Tulaoc Bridge is elevated to provide the required vertical clearance, subject to engineering assessment and works,” MPTC said.

“The Tulaoc section has long been identified as a flood-prone point. In 2023, the government and NLEX agreed on road- and bridge-raising measures after flooding caused hours-long traffic in San Simon,” it added. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News