The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to rehabilitate the entire stretch of EDSA starting in 2025, with a focus on improving the road’s riding quality, according to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Speaking during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon televised briefing on Wednesday, January 8, Bonoan emphasized the importance of addressing the poor condition of the iconic thoroughfare.
The Public Works and Highways chief cited the discomfort experienced by commuters as one of the driving forces behind the project.
“Ang gusto ni Presidente, dapat we have to improve actually iyong riding quality of EDSA,” Bonoan said. “Kasi sa ngayon, dumaan ka sa EDSA, kapag minsan mahihirapan kang mag-text eh sa kakakalbog ng sasakyan.”
He explained that the rehabilitation will cover the entire span of EDSA, which has long been plagued by potholes, uneven surfaces, and congestion.
Bonoan also said that the road’s current state has caused inconvenience to millions of motorists and commuters, making it high time for a comprehensive overhaul.
“Sa tingin ko, it’s about time that we need to rehabilitate EDSA once and for all,” Bonoan added, reiterating that the project is a long-awaited solution to the ongoing issues along the major artery.
When asked for details on the specific improvements to be made, Bonoan outlined several key plans.
“We will rehabilitate damaged sections, improve drainage, and conduct total resurfacing to improve riding quality,” he said. These measures are expected to enhance the safety and comfort of commuters traveling along one of the busiest roads in Metro Manila.
However, Bonoan clarified that road widening would not be part of the rehabilitation project, citing space constraints and the need for more efficient solutions to the road’s ongoing traffic woes.
The ambitious rehabilitation plan is expected to significantly improve the commuting experience in Metro Manila, where EDSA has long been a symbol of both the city’s bustling activity and its traffic challenges. The project is part of the government’s broader efforts to address infrastructure deficits and improve the quality of life for Filipinos in urban areas.
The DPWH is currently finalizing the detailed plans for the rehabilitation, with work expected to begin in 2025, a timeline that will likely coincide with ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s transportation infrastructure.(TCSP)
