Metro Manila, Philippines — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has ordered the North Luzon Expressway Corporation (NLEX) to explain the flooding at Tulaoc Bridge in San Simon, Pampanga, and submit proposed measures to prevent a recurrence.
In a notice dated Aug. 31, the TRB directed NLEX to submit within three days a detailed explanation of the flooding incident along the NLEX main carriageway, particularly in the Tulaoc Bridge area.
The flooding reportedly began on Aug. 29 and affected traffic along the expressway.
The TRB also directed NLEX to provide proposed technical solutions to mitigate flooding and prevent similar incidents.
In a separate directive, the TRB ordered NLEX to implement measures to provide motorists with timely warnings whenever heavy rainfall and possible flooding are anticipated.
NLEX was instructed to monitor the water levels of the Pampanga and Tulaoc rivers and provide advisories through SMS, variable message signs (VMS), portable VMS, and other communication platforms.
The advisories should be issued at least three hours before expected rainfall.
The TRB said the San Simon-Pulilan portion of NLEX should be closed to traffic when critical water levels are reached.
The TRB further directed NLEX to consider reimbursing toll fees for Class 1 vehicles whose motorists are forced to make a U-turn along NLEX due to flooding in affected areas.
