The news that EDSA, Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare, will be rehabilitated this year, possibly starting in March, has become a significant concern to all commuters in the metro. The rehabilitation project, while essential, will inevitably reduce road availability during construction, further straining traffic flow.
EDSA, already infamous for gridlock, carries over 400,000 vehicles daily — far beyond its designed capacity of 300,000, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). As one of the world’s most congested roads, as reported by the 2023 TomTom Traffic Index, the rehabilitation effort presents an enormous logistical challenge.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has emphasized that the ₱7-billion project, under the directive of President Marcos Jr., will focus on improving the road’s “riding quality” with long-lasting asphalt solutions. Secretary Manuel Bonoan assures the public that the rehabilitation will eliminate the need for frequent repairs over the next 10 to 15 years. However, this construction, expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026, will undoubtedly exacerbate the capital’s traffic woes in the short term.
In August 2024, the DPWH had announced that a portion of Guadalupe Bridge along EDSA will be rehabilitated by October 2025 and will be temporarily closed to traffic. The repairs on the outer lanes of the 60-year-old bridge will start only after the construction of a temporary bridge, which will take about 10 months. The rehabilitation work will take 17 months to complete.
Historically, EDSA has undergone multiple re-pavements and rehabilitation efforts, yet these have often fallen short of addressing its fundamental issues. The last significant repair took place in 2019, but the rapid growth in vehicular volume has since rendered those efforts inadequate. The upcoming rehabilitation will likely involve a phased approach to minimize disruption.
The government is actively seeking solutions to mitigate the inevitable traffic chaos. Among the proposed measures is the MMDA’s recommendation to adjust government working hours to 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The MMDA said this change could alleviate peak-hour traffic, as it would stagger the movement of approximately 176,000 government workers who use private vehicles and 224,000 who rely on public transport.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes and some mayors from cities along EDSA have expressed support for this proposed working schedule, with President Marcos Jr. considering the practicality of the proposal for the public.
This major concern needs the private sector’s cooperation to minimize disruptions. Businesses along EDSA could adopt flexible work schedules or remote work arrangements to reduce employee commutes. Transportation companies could explore shuttle services for employees, while malls and commercial establishments might adjust operating hours to stagger traffic volume. Collaborating with the government on public awareness campaigns and alternative commuting solutions could also alleviate pressure on the road network.
Public transportation systems, including the EDSA Busway and MRT-3, will remain operational during the rehabilitation. However, these systems may face increased demand as commuters seek alternatives to private vehicles. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been working on long-term improvements to Metro Manila’s transport network, including intermodal transport hubs and modernized public utility vehicles, which may provide some relief.
Ultimately, the success of the EDSA rehabilitation depends on the government’s ability to implement effective traffic management strategies and the public’s cooperation in adapting to temporary inconveniences. While the project promises smoother and safer roads in the future, it underscores the urgent need for a holistic and sustainable approach to Metro Manila’s chronic traffic crisis.
The rehabilitation of EDSA is more than a construction project; it is an opportunity to reshape how Metro Manila navigates urban mobility challenges.