> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.wwconemedia.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # NLEX San Simon Fully Reopens All Lanes After Flood Mitigation Work - URL: https://www.wwconemedia.com/nlex-san-simon-fully-reopens-all-lanes-after-flood-mitigation-work/ - Published: 2026-09-09T00:21:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-09T00:21:03.000Z - Author: WWC NEWSDESK - Tags: POLITICS **MANILA, Philippines —** All lanes of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in the flood-hit San Simon, Pampanga area have reopened after emergency flood-mitigation measures were carried out to clear water and protect the expressway from further flooding. The reopening marks a major improvement for motorists after days of severe traffic disruption that left portions of the NLEX difficult or impossible to pass. The flooding affected the Tulaoc and San Simon sections after heavy Southwest Monsoon, or *Habagat*, rains pushed water levels higher and contributed to flooding across Pampanga. Earlier traffic advisories showed several lanes closed or restricted, with motorists facing lengthy delays and diversions. ## Flood barriers, pumps deployed NLEX Corp. and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) worked together on a series of emergency measures, including continuous flood barriers, shoulder impounding and lining, and the deployment of high-capacity pumping equipment. According to the Inquirer, an MMDA pump was positioned near Kilometer 56, while L-shaped interlocking barriers, sandbags and modular barrier systems were installed along vulnerable sections of the expressway. The measures were intended to keep floodwaters away from active lanes and speed up the removal of water from the roadway. NLEX also brought in additional heavy-duty pumps after its own equipment was stretched by the scale of the flooding. Response crews were positioned at several locations to allow faster action should conditions deteriorate again. ## Traffic situation improved after days of gridlock The reopening follows a week of intense traffic disruption. At the height of the flooding, motorists encountered major congestion around Tulaoc and the San Simon Interchange. On September 2, GMA News reported a southbound traffic buildup of about 5.7 kilometers, while several lanes remained impassable because of accumulated water. By September 5, traffic conditions had substantially improved, although water was still present in some lanes and restrictions remained in parts of San Simon. The situation was a sharp contrast to August 29, when motorists were reportedly stranded for nearly eight hours after floodwaters inundated portions of the expressway. ## Government agencies ordered to act The NLEX crisis also prompted intervention from national government agencies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed concerned agencies to address the traffic buildup and improve flood-warning measures for motorists. The Presidential Communications Office said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) deployed high-capacity pumps, while additional measures included proposals for sheet piling and work to increase the capacity of the Tulaoc River to handle excess water. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon had earlier said the government was targeting the reopening of all three lanes after two lanes in each direction were restored. ## Long-term flood solution still being studied While the reopening is welcome news for motorists, the latest measures are not necessarily the final solution to flooding in the area. NLEX operator Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. has said it is looking at further raising the northbound and southbound pavement in Tulaoc. The roadway had already been elevated by about 0.7 meters previously, while the Tulaoc Bridge also requires elevation to provide sufficient clearance for additional road-raising work. Other longer-term measures under consideration include sheet piling, continued high-capacity pumping and deepening the Tulaoc River to improve water discharge. ## Toll relief for affected motorists NLEX also announced toll relief for motorists affected by the flooding along the Pulilan-San Fernando stretch. According to the Inquirer, the rebate took effect at noon on September 2 and is intended to remain in place until the affected lanes are passable to all vehicle classes. Reported rebates are **₱113 for Class 1, ₱281 for Class 2 and ₱338 for Class 3 vehicles**, credited to RFID accounts after the qualifying passage. ### What motorists should watch The reopening restores normal capacity at a critical portion of NLEX, but motorists should continue monitoring official NLEX traffic advisories, particularly when heavy rain is forecast. The recent flooding demonstrated how quickly conditions can change in the San Simon-Tulaoc corridor. The immediate emergency measures have improved road conditions, while more permanent flood-control and road-elevation projects remain under study. For now, the key development is clear: **the lanes are open again—but the real test will be whether the new flood defenses can keep them open when the next round of heavy rain arrives.** ### WWC ONE MEDIA G.A