NLEX Corp. is set to complete the pavement raising project at a portion of San Simon in Pampanga before yearend to enhance mobility during the rainy season.
The project includes the completion of the detailed engineering design for the pavement raising of both the north and south bounds of the 200-meter portion under the Tulaoc overpass by 0.7 meter, as well as the design for the flood walls with sump pits and sump pumps to manage flood waters and avoid another flooding incident in the area, the company said.
“The goal is to enhance safety, accessibility, and mobility of motorists, especially during the rainy season. We aim to complete the project as soon as possible with minimal disruption to the motorists,” said J. Luigi Bautista, NLEX Corp. president.
The massive flooding in Central and North Luzon due to heavy rains in the previous weeks affected a hundred-meter portion of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) San Simon, causing up to 68 centimeters deep flood in the area.
The volume of vehicles avoiding the monstrous flood at the local roads piled up and caused heavy traffic in the expressway.
“The problem is the flood level outside the NLEX has overflowed to the lowest area of NLEX in San Simon. We asked the DPWH to raise the Tulaoc overpass so we can also elevate this portion of the expressway,” said Bautista.
In a situation briefing with local government officials of Pampanga, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. backed the raising of the overpass and explained the flooding was caused by the heavy and continuous rains brought about by typhoons Egay and Falcon.
“We are very grateful for the support of the President. His go signal to raise the Tulaoc overpass will definitely help fast-track our San Simon road raising project,” Bautista added.
DWPH Secretary Manuel Bonoan made his commitment to raise the Tulaoc overpass by 0.7 meter also. Once this is done, NLEX Corp. plans to add another 0.3 meter on the pavement, raising the 200-meter portion of NLEX San Simon by a total of 1 meter.
The company said the safety and convenience of motorists remain its top priority as it continuously implements projects to secure their welfare and enhance their travel experience despite any weather conditions.
The company built various flood prevention projects in the past to avoid hindered travel in the expressway. These include several drainage enhancement projects in flood-prone areas in NLEX Harbor Link, Balintawak, Meycauayan, Valenzuela, San Simon, Dau, Porac, Floridablanca and Tipo; and the installation of sump-pits and pump houses in Balintawak and Valenzuela Interchanges to prevent water buildup in the area.
Last year, NLEX completed the road raising of a 640-meter portion of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Bataan.
