Gov't agencies finalizing alternate routes, protocols amid EDSA rehab

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed that starting next month, the long overdue EDSA rehabilitation project will officially commence. MMDA Chairman Don Artes shared that rehabilitation works will officially begin on June 13, 2025.

With that, motorists are advised to brace for heavier traffic as the major thoroughfare undergoes repair works that have long been delayed. But what solutions do the government agencies have in store once rehab works begin?

In a recent press briefing in Malacanan Palace, Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan stated that preparations are underway to minimize public inconvenience during the rehabilitation of EDSA. Bonoan also mentioned that both the DOTr and MMDA are finalizing a comprehensive traffic scheme, including alternate routes and lane reassignments during EDSA’s reconstruction phase.

“I’m sure there will be some inconvenience to some extent, actually, because we will be occupying some spaces along EDSA as we do the rehabilitation work. I think the MMDA and DOTr are actually having the protocols and the traffic management plan laid out already. They’re looking at what alternate routes are available and how to manage the internal traffic in EDSA during construction,” said Bonoan.

One of the protocols being considered was mentioned yesterday by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, which will involve the temporary use of parts of Skyway Stage 3 by regular EDSA motorists. Dizon said the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) will ask San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to waive toll fee on parts of the Skyway system during the EDSA rehabilitation. Beyond that, the MMDA is also exploring dedicated lane separations to ensure smoother traffic flow.

The government is looking to finish the first phase of the project next year in time for Manila’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

With traffic and transportation agencies looking to come up with solutions before the start of the EDSA rehabilitation, we’re hoping that the traffic situation will not be as bad.