NLEX Corp. said it is stepping up its flood control measures after recent heavy rains and an overflowing dam caused flooding in parts of its expressway network.
The toll road operator said it implements proactive risk-mitigation efforts, including regular cleaning of drainage systems and culverts, roadside clearing, constant monitoring of river water levels and bridge inspections. It also ensures water trucks and dewatering equipment are available and ready.
Despite these efforts, “unprecedented rainfall” from the intensified Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), combined with the overflow of La Mesa Dam, led to flooding in the NLEX Balintawak Cloverleaf, Valenzuela and Meycauayan areas, the company said in a statement.
NLEX officer-in-charge and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. chief finance officer Luis Reñon, accompanied by officers and the engineering team, inspected NLEX water pumping stations, a detention tank, and discharge pipes in Valenzuela.
“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,” Reñon said.
“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,” he said.
As part of its response, NLEX said it immediately removed garbage accumulated from overflowing rivers and creeks and rapidly cleared drainage systems. Inspections of rivers and creeks used as outfalls for water from expressway pumping stations were carried out to ensure proper flow.
Road patching is also underway, with permanent pavement repairs to follow once weather conditions improve.
Vacuum trucks have been deployed for canal declogging and placed on standby in key locations like Balintawak, Paso de Blas, and Tulaoc to help reduce water accumulation.
NLEX said it is also closely monitoring river water levels and conducting structural inspections of bridges, particularly the Pasig-Potrero Bridge, to ensure infrastructure integrity amid rising water levels.
Rescue boats have been made available to deliver relief assistance to nearby communities and serve as an alternative means of transportation for stranded individuals if needed.
“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,” Reñon said.
NLEX Corp. said its social media pages are active 24/7 for real-time traffic advisories. Motorists can also reach customer service through hotline 1-35000 or via Facebook and X (@NLEXexpressways).
NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of MPTC, the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).
