Floods trigger probe into NLEX

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) management said it immediately responded to the flooding that affected parts of the expressway due to continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical depression “Crising” since Monday.

This comes after the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) issued a show cause order asking NLEX Corporation to explain why it should not face administrative sanctions over the complaints of stranded passengers and motorists.

In a statement on Saturday, NLEX said surrounding rivers and creeks in Valenzuela and Meycauayan overflowed, resulting in flooding in certain portions of the expressway despite the ongoing operations of pumping stations.

"This led to the temporary closures of Balintawak Cloverleaf and the northbound and southbound sections in Valenzuela, including several entry and exit points," NLEX said.

Emergency teams were deployed to monitor the situation, assess water levels, and assist motorists on the ground.

"Patrol and emergency crews were mobilized to open U-turn slots and redirect vehicles to safer routes. By 8 p.m., both directions at Balintawak Cloverleaf were already passable to all types of vehicles," NLEX added.

To aid affected motorists, the tollway operator provided snacks and drinking water while regularly issuing traffic bulletins on its official social media pages.

By 1:30 a.m. on 22 July, floodwaters had subsided in Valenzuela and Meycauayan, and all toll plazas and entry/exit ramps of NLEX, SCTEX and the NLEX Connector were reopened.

“We thank the public for their patience and cooperation. Safety remains our top priority. We are coordinating with government agencies and LGUs to provide long-term flood solutions,” the statement read.

The DoTr and TRB said their action was prompted by widespread social media posts of stranded motorists. They warned that possible sanctions may include the suspension of toll collection in the affected sections.