The long-awaited full rehabilitation of EDSA, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, will begin in 2025, alongside other key infrastructure projects, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said the P3.74-billion project aims to restore EDSA’s deteriorating condition and significantly improve the daily commute for millions of Filipinos who rely on the vital thoroughfare.
As part of the rehabilitation preparations, DPWH will conduct dynamic cone penetration test activities along EDSA from Jan. 14 to Apr. 4, covering both northbound and southbound lanes.
The tests, which will take place during off-peak hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., will involve partial road closures at 500-meter intervals to minimize traffic disruptions.
Bonoan underscored the urgency of the rehabilitation, acknowledging previous delays due to concerns raised by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regarding potential traffic congestion.
“It’s about time we rehabilitate EDSA once and for all,” Bonoan said, noting that the poor condition of the road has made even basic tasks, like texting while travelling, difficult for commuters.
The rehabilitation is part of a broader infrastructure initiative by DPWH, which includes major projects funded by international development partners, such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Korean Exim Bank.
Among the key projects are the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Link Bridge, and the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway, which are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and address flooding in critical areas.
Construction of the Panay-Guimaras Bridge is slated to begin in late 2025, while the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway will provide a six-lane dike highway linking southern Metro Manila to Laguna.
With over P1 trillion allocated to DPWH for 2025, the agency is prioritizing the Central Luzon Expressway and several bridge projects in Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Sibugay-Olutanga Island Bridge and two bridges in Sulu.
Bonoan expressed confidence that these projects will make significant strides during President Marcos’ term, paving the way for lasting improvements in the nation’s infrastructure.
Through the rehabilitation of EDSA and these ambitious infrastructure projects, DPWH reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the nation’s road networks and driving economic growth through better transportation infrastructure.