NLEX operator vows cooperation with government to fix highway flooding

The management of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) pledged cooperation with government agencies Tuesday to resolve recurring flood issues along portions of the highway during heavy rain.

NLEX Corp. issued the statement following comments made by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the agency's proposed 2027 budget.

Lopez told lawmakers he is scheduled to meet with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and tollway contractors to address drainage bottlenecks along the expressway corridor.

"Among the various programs aimed at improving services on NLEX, some areas have been impacted because contractors affected drainage channels that should have remained undisturbed," Lopez said, adding that corrective measures will be implemented immediately.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian cited that local interventions in Valenzuela City helped manage runoff, but uncoordinated construction in neighboring provinces like Bulacan worsened regional flooding.

Lopez maintained that all ongoing NLEX expansion and maintenance projects conform to approved engineering designs while committing to joint remediation efforts with local governments and tollway operators.