Flood in San Simon, Pampanga causes heavy traffic in NLEX
MANILA, Philippines – Many vehicles were stuck in traffic along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) on Tuesday, September 1, due to flooding in San Simon, Pampanga.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), owner and operator of NLEX, said on Tuesday that it recognizes motorists’ difficulties and will continue working with national and local agencies to expedite flood-prevention measures.
To address the recurring flood problem in the area, MPTC said it will raise the northbound and southbound pavements in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga once the Tulaoc Bridge elevation is completed.
MPTC said the huge volume of rain water caused by southwest monsoon or habagat “overwhelmed the system.”
In an advisory issued at 2:20 pm Tuesday, NLEX said heavy traffic was reported in both the southbound and northbound lane of Tulaoc and at the San Simon Interchange. Northbound Class 1 vehicles in Tulaoc and the San Simon Interchange were being diverted to Balagtas Exit.
Traffic along the southbound lanes of NLEX in Balintawak, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan, meanwhile, was reported as “light.”
As of 2:20 pm, the following areas were also temporarily closed to all vehicles:
- Libtong Exit (northbound)
- Sta. Rita Northbound Entry
- Pulilan Northbound Entry
Some bus operators like Victory Liner and Baliwag Transit said their operations continue, but warned the public over the heavy traffic and extended travel time.
Victory Liner said some trips from Manila on Monday, August 31, took as long as 11 hours to Dagupan, Pangasinan; 14 hours to San Fernando, Pampanga; and 10 hours to Baguio City.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda said in an interview with One News on Monday, that the town of San Simon — the affected portion of NLEX — is submerged in flood. She said the the flood was caused by the overflow of Pampanga River.
Since Sunday, August 30, NLEX Corporation has issued traffic advisories warning motorists about water buildup in the San Simon and Tulaoc areas. – Rappler.com
