After being postponed twice, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has now announced that the long-awaited EDSA rehabilitation project is set to begin around next month, June.
This was revealed during a meeting held yesterday involving the DOTr, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, the comprehensive plan to improve this major thoroughfare in Metro Manila is now being referred to as the "EDSA Rebuild Program."
The inter-agency meeting also discussed the timeline for the EDSA rehabilitation, targeting completion before the start of ASEAN 2026, which will be hosted by the Philippines.
"Middle of June pero wala pang exact date. Kailangan simulan na 'yan. Sabi nga ng Pangulo, 45 years na bago talagang inayos ang EDSA. Kaya nga ang tatawagin na namin dito hindi na nga Edsa Rehab, EDSA Rebuild na. Kasi 'Build Better More' na ito," Dizon told reporters.
"Dahil alam naman natin, ang dating kinagawian, patse-patse. Ito hindi na rehab, total rebuild na ito ng EDSA," he added.
Dizon, however, said that the rebuilding would cause severe traffic, but assured the public of greater results once the project is completed.
The EDSA rehabilitation project had previously been deferred twice, with the most recent delay caused by the recent midterm elections.
Based on plans from DPWH, DOTr, and MMDA, the rehabilitation aims to speed up public transportation and reduce the severe traffic congestion experienced on EDSA, especially during rush hours.
