The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has implemented a toll-free arrangement starting Wednesday, September 2, for all vehicles traveling between Pulilan, Bulacan and San Fernando, Pampanga, in both directions.
The intervention comes in response to a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) triggered by severe traffic gridlock caused by deep flooding at the Tulaoc Bridge in San Simon, Pampanga.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that he coordinated directly with NLEX Corporation President Luis Reñon to suspend toll collections on the affected stretch until traffic conditions stabilize.
“I spoke with NLEX President Luis Reñon to assist the motorists and passengers severely affected by this heavy traffic, in compliance with the President’s directive,” Lopez said. “We are grateful for their immediate response to our request to implement free tolling until the traffic situation normalizes.”
Under the standard fee structure, Class 1 vehicles traveling between Pulilan and San Fernando are charged P113, while Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles pay P281 and P338, respectively. The toll exemption will remain active until traffic flow along NLEX returns to normal levels.
Lopez also commended toll operators for maintaining free passage for provincial buses and vehicles carrying agricultural products as part of the government’s UPLIFT initiative.
In addition to waiving tolls, the DOTr and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) instructed NLEX Corp. to deploy immediate humanitarian relief, including setting up portable toilets alongside food and water distribution for stranded motorists.
The concessionaire was further ordered to overhaul its early-warning advisories. Under the new directive, NLEX must issue warnings via direct SMS, variable message signs (VMS), portable VMS units and other accessible channels at least three hours before forecasted heavy rainfall or anticipated road closures to allow motorists to re-route.
Following instructions from Lopez, the TRB issued a formal Notice to Explain (NTE) to NLEX Corporation dated August 31, 2026. The notice requires the operator to explain within three days the severe congestion caused by the flooding and submit proposed measures to prevent recurring incidents.
In tandem with highway measures, Secretary Lopez directed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to deploy additional personnel to San Simon to aid flood mitigation. The DOTr is actively collaborating with the TRB, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on immediate engineering solutions, including continuous water pumping, installing flood barriers, sandbagging and managing traffic diversions.