Light traffic at NLEX Sunday morning despite San Simon flooding

MANILA, Philippines — Light traffic was reported at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Sunday morning despite flooded areas in San Simon, Pampanga, according to the NLEx Corporation. In its latest traffic update as of 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, the NLEx Corporation said water buildup was still present in Lane 3 southbound of Tulaoc in San Simon and San Simon Interchange, and Lanes 2 and 3 of the northbound of Tulaoc. Meanwhile, the water buildup has subsided in the northbound portion of San Simon. The northbound segment of Balintawak, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, and San Simon are passable to all types of vehicles. Only lanes 2 and 3 of the Tulaoc area are passable to all types of vehicles while lane 3 remains impassable. Meanwhile, the Libtong Exit is temporarily closed to motorists. On the other hand, the southbound portions of Mindanao Exit, Valenzuela, Candaba Viaduct, Tulaoc, and San Simon Interchange are passable to all types of vehicles. Last Monday, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the operator of NLEx, apologized to inconvenienced motorists for the flooding situation last weekend and vowed to install concrete barriers in affected areas along the expressway. NLEx Corporation was also directed by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to explain the flooding situation in the area. The TRB also expected it to alert motorists three hours before the expected rainfall through Variable Message Signs (VMS), portable VMS, and other messaging platforms that the San Simon-Pulillan Segment of NLEx will be closed to traffic if the water level reaches critical level due to heavy rainfall. /gsg