DPWH, NLEX to build retarding basin under Balintawak Cloverleaf

By Vito Barcelo Jr.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luis S. Reñon announced plans to construct a retarding basin beneath the cloverleaf section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to help mitigate flooding in the Balintawak area.

The proposed facility will temporarily store excess rainwater during heavy downpours, reducing the volume of water that immediately enters the drainage system and nearby waterways.

The stored water could also potentially be utilized for irrigation and water supply during the dry season, subject to further engineering studies and water-quality requirements.

Dizon made the announcement during an inspection of the heavily silted Balong Bato Creek and drainage inlets along EDSA-Balintawak, Quezon City, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the recurring flooding in the area.

According to Dizon, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin dredging Balong Bato Creek to remove accumulated silt and restore its capacity to carry stormwater.

The drainage inlets along the road will likewise be enlarged to allow floodwater to flow more quickly into the drainage system.

The planned retarding basin will complement these measures by providing additional temporary storage for stormwater during intense rainfall, helping prevent water from backing up onto EDSA and worsening traffic congestion.

The project is expected to form part of a broader flood-control strategy for Balintawak, one of Metro Manila’s major transport corridors, where heavy rains can disrupt the movement of commuters, public utility vehicles, and motorists.