SAN SIMON, Pampanga — With rainwater flooding this segment of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 3 aims to raise the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge in this town starting Monday, 24 February.

According to DPWH Region III Director Roseller Tolentino, severe weather including super typhoon "Egay," typhoon "Falcon," and an intensified southwest monsoon has caused significant flooding that submerged the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge and sections of the expressway.

He cited the need to elevate the overpass following the completion of pavement-raising by NLEX Corporation at the San Simon segment.

The funds were allocated under the 2024 national budget, allowing us to proceed with construction.

“A 200-meter stretch of road in the Tulaoc area, which was submerged in 2023 due to flooding from the Pampanga River, has been raised by 0.7 meters. To ensure safe passage for trucks, trailers, and other vehicles underneath, we now need to elevate the bridge by an additional 1.5 meters,” Tolentino explained.

Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to flooded areas in Bulacan and Pampanga after the series of typhoons, he tasked DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan with addressing road flooding in these provinces, Tolentino noted.

“Secretary Bonoan committed to raising the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge and ensured funding for the project. The funds were allocated under the 2024 national budget, allowing us to proceed with construction,” he added.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jayson Jauco, Construction Division chief, assured that all stakeholders had been informed, with consultations held with the San Simon local government and police authorities to ensure smooth implementation.