DPWH moves to curb NLEX flooding

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun implementing measures to prevent a repeat of severe flooding that recently triggered kilometers-long traffic jams along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in San Simon, Pampanga.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the immediate response includes blocking water entry points from the Tulaoc River and nearby creeks to prevent additional floodwaters from reaching the highway.

“The problem here is that the floodwater has nowhere to go; it just circulates within the area. The solution is to block the water coming from the river and creek so that the volume here doesn’t increase further. We will also conduct dredging operations – with the assistance of the NLEX Corporation – to deepen the river and allow more water to flow into it,” Dizon said during the inspection of the flood-affected section of the highway last week.

The DPWH is also continuing to deploy pumps to remove accumulated floodwaters on both sides of the NLEX, which Dizon said forms part of the overall solution.

The agency will install 300 units of FlexMac DT, a rapidly deployable flood barrier that can be filled with sand or soil and is intended to replace conventional sandbags.

“This flood wall technology is from Italy. It has not been used in the country. A non-concrete cube made of natural materials. The supplier will start sending units today,” Dizon said.

Aside from immediate flood-control measures, the DPWH is also exploring the use of privately owned land as temporary water-retention areas.

“We are looking for open lands, negotiate with the owners, and ask permission to dig, for us to create a water storage area or a detention basin,” the Secretary said.

“Here along the NLEX, even for small land, I will talk to the owners and ask them to help the government and the community,” he added.

The measures are aimed at improving the flow and temporary storage of floodwaters around the affected portion of the major northbound and southbound transport corridor.

The flooding two weeks ago disrupted motorists and caused extensive traffic congestion along the NLEX, prompting the DPWH to coordinate with the private sector and international partners on longer-term solutions.

Dizon met with private-sector representatives and international partners on Wednesday to discuss measures addressing the recent severe flooding along the expressway.

The latest interventions underscore the need for stronger flood-control infrastructure along major transport routes, particularly as disruptions on key expressways can affect commuters, freight movement, and business activity across Central Luzon and Metro Manila.