CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that construction to raise the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in San Simon, Pampanga will begin on February 24, 2025.
The decision to elevate the bridge follows severe flooding in August 2023, when Super Typhoon Egay, Typhoon Falcon, and an intensified southwest monsoon submerged the overpass and parts of the expressway.
The flooding, caused by the Pampanga River’s overflow, disrupted traffic and underscored the need for long-term flood mitigation measures.
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino explained that the need to elevate the overpass arose because NLEX Corporation completed the pavement-raising at the San Simon segment.
“A 200-meter stretch of road in the Tulaoc area, which was submerged in 2023 due to flooding from the Pampanga River, has been raised by 0.7 meters. To ensure safe passage for trucks, trailers, and other vehicles underneath, we now need to elevate the bridge by an additional 1.5 meters,” he said.
The project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to address severe road flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga. Following his visit to the affected areas after the 2023 typhoons, he instructed DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to implement long-term solutions.
“Secretary Bonoan committed to raising the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge and ensured funding for the project. The funds were allocated under the 2024 national budget, allowing us to proceed with construction,” Tolentino added.
To minimize disruptions, DPWH has coordinated with local government units and police authorities in San Simon.
DPWH Construction Division Chief Jayson Jauco assured that all stakeholders had been consulted, and measures are in place to guide motorists.
Directional signs will be installed to assist drivers with detour routes.
Motorists traveling to Manila North Road (McArthur Highway) should take Sta. Monica Road, which is suitable for light vehicles. Those heading to Sto. Niño (Tulaoc) should also use Sta. Monica Road.
While the Tulaoc Overpass Bridge crossing NLEX will be closed to all traffic, Salusu Road (Sto. Niño side) will remain open for local traffic and light vehicles.
The agency commits to completing the project as scheduled and requests patience as it works to improve road conditions. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)