NLEX San Simon Lanes Reopen After Flood Mitigation

NLEX CORP., operator of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), announced that all lanes at the San Simon Interchange and Tulaoc are now open after flood mitigation measures restored access previously blocked by flooding. “NLEX remains committed to working closely with its partners to help ensure the safety and accessibility of not just its motorists, but also the communities affected by the flooding,” NLEX said in a statement on Tuesday. NLEX, a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said all three lanes in both southbound and northbound are now open following flood mitigation efforts such as dredging of the Tulaoc river, clearing and improvement works along NLEX embankment. In a separate media release, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said the agency is focusing on the development of detention basins in three locations in San Simon, Pampanga to prevent flooding. Last week, MPTC said that it is set to elevate the San Simon segment as a permanent solution to prevent recurring floods in the area. It said that it is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways and Toll Regulatory Board to assess measures to support motorists affected by the rains and flooding brought about by the southwest monsoon, due to the rising water levels in the Pampanga River. The company said that aside from raising the San Simon segment of the NLEX, MPTC has also committed to raising the northbound and southbound pavements in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga once the Tulaoc Bridge is finished. MPTC is the tollway arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of the Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose