The Department of Public Works and Highways has completed Phase 1 of the EDSA rehabilitation two months ahead of schedule, finishing work on vehicle lanes from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City to Orense Street in Makati and beating the original May target. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency kept construction on a nightly schedule, limiting work hours to reduce disruption along one of Metro Manila’s busiest corridors.
The rehabilitation began on Christmas Eve under an eight-month plan split into two phases. Phase 1 covered the first four months, while Phase 2 is set to cover the remaining stretch to Monumento in Caloocan. Dizon said the department moved away from the earlier full reblocking concept and instead focused on damaged sections while preserving portions still in good condition.
That shift matters because EDSA spans 23.8 kilometers and links several major Metro Manila cities. A longer and broader shutdown would have hit traffic across the region much harder. Dizon said the revised approach cut projected costs to about ₱6 billion from the original ₱17 billion estimate.
The works are part of a broader effort to replace worn-out pavement, improve drainage and make the highway more pedestrian-friendly. Bidding for Phase 2 is set to proceed, with construction expected to begin soon after. Dizon said the rainy season may slow the pace of work, but the department is maintaining its target of completing the full rehabilitation next year.
