NLEX northbound traffic grinds to near standstill as floods block Meycauayan lanes

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 30, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Auto PH

Philippines — Traffic along the northbound portion of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) nearly ground to a halt late Saturday, August 29, as flooding made several lanes in Meycauayan, Bulacan impassable.

Vehicles were barely moving near NLEX Balintawak around midnight, with the long queue making the expressway resemble a parking lot.

Lanes 3 and 4 of the northbound section in Meycauayan remained closed to motorists due to high floodwaters caused by continuous rains.

Earlier Saturday, NLEX Corporation reported that flooding had affected the middle and rightmost lanes in the area following the overflow of the Meycauayan River. Traffic was reduced to “stop-and-go,” with vehicles moving at only 1 to 10 kilometers per hour.

Flooding also caused heavy congestion at the Libtong Exit, which was inaccessible to Class 1 vehicles, while a southbound lane in Meycauayan was also reported impassable. 

The southwest monsoon, or habagat, brought prolonged rains over Metro Manila and nearby provinces, triggering widespread flooding and disrupting travel.

Motorists heading north were advised to expect significant delays, monitor official traffic advisories and avoid flooded sections whenever possible.