NLEx asked to explain flooding that caused heavy traffic in Pampanga
MANILA, Philippines — The North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Corporation has been directed by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to explain the flooding that occurred at Tulaoc Bridge near San Simon town in Pampanga that caused heavy traffic in the past few days.
In a letter shared by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday, the TRB wrote to NLEx Corporation on August 31 directing the firm to submit within three days a detailed explanation for the flooding situation, as well as its proposed measures to mitigate the flooding in San Simon and Tulaoc, Pampanga “to further avoid its recurrence.”
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Due to the heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon last weekend, motorists were stuck along that portion of the expressway. Many of them spent longer hours on the road than their usual travel time.
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In a separate letter, the TRB instructed NLEx Corporation to consider reimbursing the toll fees of Class 1 vehicles that were “compelled to make a U-turn due to the flooding incidents in the affected area.”
The TRB also said it expects the corporation to alert motorists three hours before the expected rainfall through Variable Message Signs (VMS), portable VMS, and other messaging platforms that the San Simon-Pulillan Segment of NLEx will be closed to traffic if the water level reaches critical level due to heavy rainfall.
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“During such circumstances, NLEX Corporation is likewise directed to closely coordinate with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and TRB, to jointly ensure the timely implementation of appropriate flood mitigation measures and other necessary interventions, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety of the motoring public and minimizing traffic disruption,” the TRB wrote.
Last Monday, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, the operator of NLEx, apologized to motorists for inconveniences due to flooding and vowed to install concrete barriers in affected areas along the expressway. /jpv
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