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NLEX Corp is undertaking preliminary works to elevate a 200-meter section of San Simon in Pampanga
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It expects to complete the project before the year ends
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The works include completion of detailed engineering design for both the north and south bound sections under the Tulaoc overpass
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Design for flood walls to manage flood waters and avoid another flooding in the area is also included
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Pavement of the San Simon ramp will be raised to improve drainage
NLEX Corp. is undertaking preliminary works to elevate a 200-meter section of San Simon in Pampanga and expects project completion before yearend.
The works, meant to avoid another flooding in the area, includes completion of the detailed engineering design for the pavement raising of both the north and south of the 200-meter section under the Tulaoc overpass by 0.7 meters, the tollway company which holds the concession for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), said in a statement.
The design for flood walls with sump pits and sump pumps to manage flood waters is also part of the project.
NLEX Corp. said it will also raise the pavement of the San Simon ramp and improve its drainage system.
“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,” NLEX Corp. president J. Luigi. Bautista said.
Last August, rains brought by typhoons and the southwest monsoon caused the Pampanga River to flow into NLEX, particularly under Tulaoc overpass.
NLEX said it affected a 100-meter section of NLEX in San Simon, causing flooding of up to 68 centimeters in the area. The flooding caused heavy traffic on 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 [Department of Public Works and Highways] to raise the Tulaoc overpass so we can also elevate this portion of the expressway,” said Bautista.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan earlier committed to raise the Tulaoc overpass by 0.7 meters.
Once done, NLEX Corp. said it plans to add another 0.3 meter on the pavement, raising the 200-meter section of NLEX San Simon by a total of 1 meter.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) president Rogelio Singson earlier suggested the building of a water impounding facility in Candaba, Pampanga as a long-term solution to prevent flooding in nearby and low-laying areas of Pampanga.
NLEX Corp. is a subsidiary of MPTC.
NLEX Corp. noted it 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 Corp. completed the road raising of a 640-meter portion of Subic, Clark, Tarlac Expressway in Bataan.
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