As part of its bid to continually ensure the safety and mobility of its motorists even in unfavorable weather conditions, NLEX Corporation implements proactive risk-mitigation efforts. These include the regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels, bridge inspections and mitigation works, ensuring the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment, and organizing an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways.
However, despite its efforts, the unprecedented rainfall brought by the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), coupled with the overflow of La Mesa Dam, caused flooding in the NLEX Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan areas.
In response, NLEX ramps up its multi-layered flood control defense to enhance protection against flooding along its expressway network.
“We are implementing immediate measures in response to the recent flooding to ensure the safety of our motorists and to help reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future. We are also working with relevant authorities to explore possible long-term solutions, including our offer to upgrade bridges, adopt and rehabilitate rivers and creeks that traverse NLEX. These initiatives are part of our continued commitment to providing safe and passable expressways, especially during severe weather conditions,” said NLEX Corporation Officer-In-Charge and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chief Finance Officer, Luis S. Reñon.
As part of its response efforts, the tollway company immediately conducted the removal of garbage accumulated from overflowing rivers and creeks. Drainage systems were rapidly cleared, and inspections of rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations were carried out to ensure proper flow and function. Road patching works are also underway along the expressways to ensure the safety of our motorists. Permanent pavement repairs will be conducted once weather conditions become favorable.
To further support these efforts, vacuum trucks have been deployed for canal declogging and placed on standby in key locations, such as Balintawak, Paso de Blas, and Tulaoc, to help reduce water accumulation.
At the same time, NLEX is closely monitoring river water levels and conducting structural inspections of bridges, especially the Pasig-Potrero Bridge, to ensure the integrity of infrastructure amid rising water levels.
Rescue boats have also been made available to deliver relief assistance to nearby communities and serve as an alternative means of transportation for stranded individuals, if necessary.
“This is the time when we really need to bring out all the help and solutions we can. We’ve tapped our sister companies in the MVP group, such as Maynilad and Meralco, for assistance with vacuum trucks and rescue boats, and we’re truly grateful for their support. Working together is key to strengthening our flood defense and ensuring everyone’s safety,” added Reñon.
NLEX Corporation also reminds the public that its social media pages are active 24/7 for real-time traffic advisories and announcements. Motorists may also reach customer service through hotline 1-35000 or via Facebook and X (@NLEXexpressways), for any assistance they may need.
NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).
