The southbound lane of the EDSA Magallanes Flyover reopened to motorists at around 6 a.m. on April 6 following a five-day closure for repairs conducted during the Holy Week break, the Department of Public Works and Highways said.
The flyover had been closed since the evening of April 1 to address safety issues involving its expansion joints, as well as long-standing uneven and potholed road conditions along the structure. The temporary shutdown, which coincided with the Holy Week exodus and the suspension of MRT operations, resulted in heavier traffic and added strain on commuters traveling through the area.
During the closure, DPWH carried out retrofitting works, replacement of expansion joints, and asphalt overlay to restore the structural integrity of the flyover and improve ride quality. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon led a pre-dawn inspection at around 3:30 a.m. on April 6 before clearing the flyover for reopening after final cleaning and safety checks were completed.
Dizon said the government allocated approximately ₱180 million for the project, including around ₱25 million specifically for the repair and replacement of expansion joints. He said the repairs were necessary to immediately address safety concerns and prevent further deterioration of the structure.
Repair teams worked continuously throughout the Holy Week period to ensure the flyover would be ready ahead of the return of motorists and commuters to Metro Manila. With the reopening, traffic flow along the Magallanes section of EDSA has begun to normalize, with vehicles observed moving steadily through the rehabilitated lane.
The project forms part of the broader EDSA rehabilitation program being implemented by the DPWH. Under Phase 1, which covers the stretch from Roxas Boulevard to Orense in Makati, works are now nearly complete and about 2 months ahead of schedule. Remaining components of Phase 1 will focus on sidewalk widening and improvements to pedestrian and bicycle lanes along the corridor.
Dizon also said the government revised the overall rehabilitation approach, reducing the projected cost from an initial ₱17 billion to below ₱6 billion by shifting away from full reconstruction to targeted repairs, while maintaining construction quality and long-term durability.
Only minor works remain along the Magallanes flyover and will be carried out during nighttime hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to avoid disrupting traffic flow.
Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the EDSA rehabilitation, which will cover the stretch from Orense to Monumento, is scheduled for bidding this April, with implementation expected to begin in May under a similar nighttime construction strategy.
Dizon said commuters are expected to feel the difference in travel conditions following the repairs.
“Mararamdaman ang mga kababayan natin yung kaibahan ng pagbibiyahe sa EDSA kumpara dati. Dati talagang napakasama, sira-sira at baku-bako, pero ngayon mas maayos at smooth na,” he said.
