NLEX Corporation wants to ensure the safety and mobility of motorists using its expressways even in unfavorable weather conditions. This comes after the tollway operator implemented proactive risk mitigation efforts like regular cleaning of drainage systems & culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of water levels in flood-prone areas, bridge inspections, and mitigation works. 

For NLEX Corporation, this ensures the availability and readiness of water trucks and other dewatering equipment in times of heavy rain, as well as organizing an inter-agency flood mitigation forum to strengthen the preparedness of host and neighboring communities in maintaining clear waterways.

Despite NLEX Corporation’s best efforts, the unprecedented rainfall brought by the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), combined with the overflow of La Mesa Dam last week, caused significant flooding along certain sections of the expressway - particularly, Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela, and Meycauayan.

In response to this, NLEX ramped 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 Luis S. Reñon, NLEX Corporation Officer-In-Charge and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chief Finance Officer.

As part of its response efforts, the tollway company immediately conducted the removal of the garbage accumulated from overflowing rivers and creeks. Drainage systems were also rapidly cleared, and inspections of rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations were done to ensure proper flow and function. In addition, road patching works are also being conducted along the expressways to ensure the safety of our motorists. Permanent pavement repairs will be conducted once weather conditions become favorable.

Further supporting these efforts are vacuum trucks, which 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. NLEX is also 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. Lastly, 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.