The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing rehabilitation of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The agency said that the first phase of the EDSA rehab project is now 60% complete, a notably speedy pace ahead of its July 2026 target date.
According to the DPWH, the first phase, covering key sections of EDSA from Pasay to Makati, has progressed significantly since the agency began the project last December 2025. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the EDSA rehab is designed not only to improve road conditions but also to make the main thoroughfare safer and more accessible to pedestrians and commuters alike.
One of the major improvements under the project is the expansion and upgrading of sidewalks along the corridor. The agency is also looking at incorporating bicycle lanes in some areas as part of its efforts to create a more commuter-friendly transport environment.
The EDSA, which serves as Metro Manila’s main north-to-south transport artery, accommodates hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily. The rehabilitation program includes asphalt overlay, concrete reblocking, and improvements to pedestrian infrastructure to address long-standing issues with deteriorating pavement and limited walking space.
To minimize disruptions to motorists, road works are being conducted mostly at night, typically between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. DPWH said the strategy aims to reduce traffic congestion while allowing crews to accelerate the project progress.
Beyond road repairs, the government is also pushing for a more commuter-centric design for the iconic thoroughfare. Plans include wider pedestrian walkways and better connectivity with public transport systems along the corridor. These improvements are intended to enhance safety and mobility for Metro Manila residents who use EDSA to go to work, school, or other important destinations.
Once completed, the EDSA rehabilitation project is expected to provide smoother traffic flow and more accessible infrastructure for its users. EDSA is one of the most important road networks in the Philippines, linking several major cities in Metro Manila and serving as a critical route for both public and private transport.
Autocar’s Take
Rehabilitating EDSA has long been overdue. For decades, the avenue has carried the weight of Metro Manila’s daily commute, often under conditions that were neither comfortable nor safe for all who use it. The government’s push to widen sidewalks and consider bike lanes is a shift towards a more people-focused transport mindset.
That change matters. EDSA should not exist exclusively for cars but for the millions of Filipinos who walk, cycle, and ride public transport every day. Here is hoping that DPWH, led by Sec. Vince Dizon, will do all its best to make the project one for the books in terms of top-quality government service to Filipinos. Once completed, EDSA could become an example of how urban mobility is designed in the Philippines.
