Flooding eased along NLEX in Tulaoc, San Simon, Pampanga, on Friday.
Traffic was also moving continuously, although motorists experienced some slowdown as only two lanes remained open.
Flood barriers have been installed to help prevent floodwater from entering the expressway.
Motorists have noticed an improvement in the situation compared with the past few days, when traffic in the area was barely moving.
“Okay naman po ma'am, medyo nagkaroon lang ng konting usad, bagal ng traffic diyan sa may mismong bridge ng San Simon," said truck driver Nick Betco.
“Hindi naman na ganun kataas yung baha kasi may nagpapump naman. Dire-diretso naman po yung flow kahit maliliit na kotse po nakakadaan na po," said another motorist Abner Español.
However, water levels rose again at the San Simon Interchange after heavy rains.
NLEX personnel deployed rapid flood barriers to help prevent or reduce the entry of floodwater into the expressway. “Maaaring ma-experience po natin ang mga downpour, so any reason na tumaas po 'yung tubig dito, before that siguro mga hours before, hindi na po padadaanan. Mag-advise po ulit kami nang mas maayos," said NLEX AVP for Traffic Operations, Robin Ignacio.
For now, NLEX is relying on flood barriers and siphoning or pumping out water as temporary measures should water levels rise again.
The expressway operator is asking for motorists’ understanding while long-term flood mitigation measures are being prepared.
"Kailangan po ng detailed engineering design 'yan so 'yun na po ang gagawin ngayon. Sana makita na po natin agad yung mga long term, 'no? Pero most probably itong mga long term solutions na 'to, baka po makikita po natin long before the next rainy season," he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation is awaiting NLEX’s detailed explanation regarding the flooding incident.
“Siguro pagkasagot po ng NLEX management, dadaan lang po ito sa isang meeting o dalawa sa technical working group and then it will be elevated to the TRB board the soonest po," said DOTr Undersecretary Steven Pastor.
According to the DOTr, aside from raising the road pavement, the Department of Public Works and Highways will also construct a perimeter flood wall and conduct dredging at the Tulaoc River as part of the long-term solution to flooding in the area.