NLEX faces massive traffic jams due to San Simon flooding

MANILA, Philippines – Flooding in San Simon, Pampanga, has caused significant traffic congestion on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the owner and operator of NLEX, acknowledged the difficulties faced by motorists on Tuesday and pledged to continue working with national and local agencies to expedite flood-prevention measures. To address the recurring flood problem in the area, MPTC stated its plan to raise the northbound and southbound pavements in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga, once the elevation of the Tulaoc Bridge is completed. MPTC attributed the flooding to the "overwhelmed system" caused by the heavy volume of rainwater from the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat." An advisory issued at 2:20 PM on Tuesday indicated heavy traffic on both southbound and northbound lanes at Tulaoc and the San Simon Interchange. Northbound Class 1 vehicles were being diverted to the Balagtas Exit. Traffic along the southbound lanes of NLEX in Balintawak, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan 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 Bus operators like Victory Liner and Baliwag Transit confirmed their operations continue but warned the public about heavy traffic and extended travel times. Victory Liner reported that some trips from Manila on Monday, August 31, experienced exceptionally long travel durations, with journeys to Dagupan, Pangasinan taking up to 11 hours; San Fernando, Pampanga, taking 14 hours; and Baguio City taking 10 hours. Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda stated in a Monday interview with One News that the town of San Simon, the affected portion of NLEX, is submerged, with the floodwaters originating from the overflow of the Pampanga River. Since Sunday, August 30, NLEX Corporation had been issuing traffic advisories, warning motorists about water buildup in the San Simon and Tulaoc areas. Source: Rappler Philippines