AFTER multiple postponements, the rehabilitation of EDSA is finally set to begin by mid-June, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.
The project, he said before, is expected to last for a year and a half and will likely cause heavy traffic along Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare.
But in line with this, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Manny Bonoan said the DOTr, DPWH, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have already coordinated on a traffic management plan, which includes identifying alternate routes for motorists.
“In a few days we will be able to set up already the traffic management protocols. Any time within June. Ang importante dito, we have to disseminate the information to the motoring public using EDSA, kung ano yung gagawin at maintindihan nila yung mga scheme,” he said during an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.
A key part of the rehabilitation involves improving the existing dedicated busway lane, starting with the southbound direction.
During this period, Bonoan mentioned that the EDSA bus carousel will continue to operate alongside private vehicles in mixed traffic until the busway lane’s rehabilitation is complete.
Initially scheduled to begin in late March, the project was first delayed to April before being postponed again until after the midterm elections.
The rehabilitation is also part of the preparations for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026, which will be hosted by the Philippines.
The summit is a key regional event where leaders from Southeast Asian countries meet to discuss economic, political, and security cooperation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) PHP1.007 trillion budget for 2025 does not include a specific allocation for the EDSA renovation.
However, PHP1.6 billion has been earmarked for “Maintenance, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Infrastructure Facilities and Other Related Activities – Routine Maintenance of National Roads.”
During a TeleRadyo interview, Bonoan clarified that the total budget for the EDSA rehabilitation is PHP7 billion, with a portion of the funding coming from the 2026 budget.
