Manila, Sept. 8 -- All lanes on both northbound and southbound portions of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) near the San Simon Interchange in Pampanga were opened on Tuesday, following joint mitigation measures by the government and the private sector to hasten the receding of floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in recent days.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and NLEX President and General Manager Luis Renon inspected the thoroughfare, where Dizon announced that the areas are now clear of floodwaters.

The DPWH chief said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the construction of detention basins at three locations in San Simon, Pampanga, as a long-term solution to flooding, while short-term meas...