The third lane of both the northbound and southbound lanes of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) near the San Simon Interchange reopened Tuesday, September 8, following flood intervention measures implemented by the government in partnership with the private sector.

The measures were carried out to accelerate the receding of floodwaters along the expressway after days of heavy and continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

During an inspection, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the construction of detention basins at three locations in San Simon, Pampanga as part of the long-term solution to recurring flooding in the area.

Dizon said short-term measures will also continue to prevent a repeat of the flooding that disrupted the travel of motorists and commuters.