Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to address the severe traffic congestion along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), focusing particularly on the San Simon Interchange, following significant flooding caused by continuous rains.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a recent Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and NLEX Corporation are actively collaborating to prevent future traffic gridlocks during the rainy season.

President Marcos has instructed various government agencies to tackle the issues plaguing NLEX to avert a recurrence of the traffic paralysis experienced during recent heavy rains, Castro conveyed. The DPWH, with support from the MMDA, has deployed high-capacity pumps to swiftly drain floodwaters from affected sections of NLEX.

Further preventive measures include the installation of sheet piles by DPWH and NLEX Corp. to stop the Tulaoc River from overflowing onto the expressway. Additionally, the Tulaoc River has been deepened to increase its capacity to store excess water, helping to prevent overflow onto the expressway during high tides or prolonged heavy rainfall.

To alleviate some of the burden on commuters, NLEX management has agreed to cover the toll fees for vehicles traveling between Pulilan, Bulacan, and San Fernando, Pampanga, in both directions.

Traffic has improved along the northbound lanes of NLEX, particularly at the Tulaoc and San Simon interchanges, which were heavily affected by the recent rains, Castro noted. At the Tulaoc Interchange, northbound Lane 1 is now open to all vehicles, Lane 2 is available for Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles, while Lane 3 remains closed. Southbound lanes 1 and 2 are open to all vehicle types, with Lane 3 still closed.

Similarly, at the San Simon Interchange, Lane 1 in both directions is open to all vehicles, Lane 2 accommodates Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles, and Lane 3 remains closed. Traffic flow continues to be smooth and manageable in other areas of NLEX and SCTEX, Castro added.