Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will initiate a major rehabilitation and upgrade of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) toward the end of this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DPWH-National Capital Region (NCR) is preparing to execute the rehabilitation works in segments, focusing on one lane at a time, beginning with the EDSA bus lane. The first segment of the rehabilitation, which will occur on the northbound portion from the Quezon City/Caloocan boundary to Monumento, is set to start by the end of March 2025.

The DPWH indicated that the southbound portion, consisting of 15 segments, will commence once the necessary funds are released and the contract is approved. To minimize disruptions in vehicular traffic, the rehabilitation efforts will be conducted around the clock to expedite the activities and completion.

The rehabilitation aims to address issues related to frequent pothole patching and damaged pavements on EDSA by utilizing reinforced concrete to enhance road integrity against high vehicle volumes. Additionally, asphalt overlay works will include anti-rutting and cracking measures to increase durability, and the drainage system will be upgraded with high-density polyethylene pipes.

The DPWH-NCR has assured that the EDSA bus carousel will remain operational, although it will be temporarily relocated to an adjacent lane. Bus stations on EDSA will continue to serve commuters during this period. Once the closed segments from the first lane are fully rehabilitated, the bus lane will return to its original position to accommodate regular operations.

Motorists are advised to anticipate potential traffic slowdowns in the affected areas and are encouraged to use other lanes during the repair period. The public is also encouraged to visit the official social media channels of the DPWH-NCR for regular updates and developments on the rehabilitation activities, including the traffic management plan for this major thoroughfare.

All project activities are coordinated with the Metro Manila Development Authority, Department of Transportation, local government units, and other stakeholders, in line with the agency's commitment to improving EDSA and enhancing road networks in the region.