In an advisory at 7 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation says water buildup remains on all lanes at the San Simon interchange area, with traffic buildup observed on both the northbound and southbound lanes. (Screengrab from video by NLEX Corporation/Facebook)
MANILA, Philippines — Parts of the Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEx), particularly in San Simon, Pampanga, remain flooded on Friday, September 4.
In an advisory on the road and traffic conditions on the expressway at 7 a.m., the NLEx Corporation said water build-up was still present on all northbound and southbound lanes at the San Simon interchange area.
It added that a traffic build-up of 200 meters had been observed on the southbound lanes at the San Simon interchange, while a traffic build-up of 50 meters had been observed on the northbound lanes.
Only the first northbound and southbound lanes at the San Simon interchange were passable to all types of vehicles, while the second northbound and southbound lanes were only passable to class 2 and 3 vehicles, which are larger vehicles including buses and trucks.
Meanwhile, the third northbound and southbound lanes at the San Simon interchange were not passable, the advisory noted.
Likewise, the NLEx Corporation said water build-up was observed in all northbound lanes and the third southbound lane of the expressway in the Tulaoc area.
It added that only the first and second northbound and southbound lanes were passable to all types of vehicles, while the third northbound and southbound lanes were not passable.
Only light traffic was observed in the Tulaoc area.
The NLEx Corporation also noted that the Santa Rita northbound entry, the Balagtas northbound entry and the Pulilan northbound lanes; as well as the southbound lanes in Balintawak and Valenzuela were passable to all types of vehicles as of its posting.
It added that the Libtong exit in Meycauayan, Bulacan was temporarily closed.
The flooding and heavy traffic had developed amid persistent torrential rains in the region over the past week, prompting public frustration.