NLEX Mandated to Provide Flood Advisories via Text, Electronic Signs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTR) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) have directed the management of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to issue flood advisories to motorists through text messages and electronic roadside signs following the recent flooding that affected the traffic flow. In a letter dated August 31, addressed to NLEX Corp. President and General Manager Luis Renon, the DOTR and TRB said the NLEX management should warn motorists of any flooding along the expressway, particularly in the Tulaoc Bridge in San Simon area, via short message service (SMS), variable message signs (VMS) and other communication platforms. “[E]very time there is an anticipated rainfall, TRB expects that NLEX Corp. will monitor the water level of Pampanga River and Tulaoc Bridge,” the letter read. The agencies added that should the water level reach critical levels, NLEX Corp. should issue advisories three hours before the expected rainfall, warning motorists that the San Simon-Pulilan Segment will be inaccessible. “Dapat proactive ang mga toll operator natin. I-anticipate na kung saan ‘yung mga babantayang lugar lalo na pag may paparating na malakas na ulan, para malaman agad ng mga motorista kung saan ‘yung mga bahagi ng expressway na may baha o mahirap daanan at maiwasan,” DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said in a press release. (Our toll operators should be proactive. Let's anticipate the areas that might be affected when there is an incoming heavy rains so motorists will know in advance what parts of the highway are flooded so they can avoid them.) An alternative route should also be provided to motorists who are supposed to use the affected areas. NLEX Corp. was also directed to consider reimbursing the toll fees of Class 1 vehicles that were forced to make a U-turn due to flooding. Meanwhile, in a separate letter also dated August 31, the NLEX Corporation was also given three days to submit an explanation of the flooding incident as well as their proposed technical solutions to curb it. Several areas along NLEX were affected by floodwaters since August 29 due to heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, enhanced by Tropical Storm Pilandok. The flooding caused traffic buildup, with some motorists claiming they were stuck in the NLEX traffic for 22 hours. As of 9 a.m of Wednesday, September 2, four areas along the Northbound NLEX are temporarily closed to Class 1 vehicles, including Libtong Exit, Sta. Rita Northbound Entry, Balagtas Northbound Entry, and Pulilan Northbound Entry. Tulaoc (San Simon) and the San Simon Interchange in both the northbound and southbound lanes continue to experience water buildup and heavy traffic, with traffic stretching for about 2.2 kilometers. Only Balintawak, Valenzuela and Meycauayan in the southbound lane are passable to vehicles, but with light traffic flow.