PAMPANGA - NLEX personnel are actively clearing Lane 3 of the Tulaoc section in San Simon as floodwaters in the northbound lane recede to just 1.5 centimeters, marking significant progress in restoring full access to the expressway. Currently, two lanes are open to traffic, and vehicles are moving smoothly through the area, with other parts of the Tulaoc section now completely dry . The clearing work is part of ongoing flood reduction efforts and monitoring that will continue until full access is restored across the expressway.
Current Road Status and Ongoing Operations
The Tulaoc section has seen substantial improvement, with Lanes 1 and 2 fully dried up and Lane 3 now being cleared as water levels continue to drop. While traffic flow has returned to normal on the expressway, authorities note that floodwaters remain high in nearby communities and local adjacent roads, underscoring the broader impact of the enhanced southwest monsoon on the region. NLEX Corporation continues its mitigation measures, building on previous infrastructure upgrades, including the 0.7-meter pavement elevation completed in 2023 and the ongoing elevation of the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge.
Broader Context and Ongoing Challenges
The flooding in the Tulaoc and San Simon areas has been aggravated by the overflow of the Pampanga River, which has affected the area's ability to discharge excess water. The recent severe weather conditions have placed significant strain on the region's infrastructure, with the Department of Public Works and Highways and NLEX working together on rehabilitation efforts. The LTFRB has also mapped out plans to assist public utility vehicles and identify alternative routes to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the province continues to recover from the effects of the southwest monsoon, authorities remain on alert for further weather disturbances, with PAGASA reporting that the habagat continues to bring rains to parts of Luzon.
