Photo credit: MMDA

Big changes are coming to EDSA, and we’re about to get the full details soon. The government has confirmed that the final intervention measures for the long-awaited rehabilitation of Metro Manila’s busiest road will be released next week. Officials are making sure they’ve covered all the bases, gathering input from local government units (LGUs) to help minimize the impact on traffic.

What’s the Plan?

During a Metro Manila Council (MMC) meeting today, traffic mitigation strategies were presented to local mayors and representatives. The goal? To come up with a final plan that balances much-needed roadwork with the daily grind of motorists and commuters.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes assured that the project is following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive: make public convenience a priority.

“With fewer lanes available once the rehab starts, our job is to develop a solid plan that follows the President’s instruction to lessen inconvenience, especially for commuters,” Artes said. “We will also clear and maintain alternate routes, which will be finalized once the plan is complete.”

A Massive Overhaul for a Better EDSA

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that this is no quick-fix project—it’s part of the government’s Build Better More program and is meant to give EDSA a long-overdue transformation.

“The only way to build a better EDSA is through a major overhaul,” Dizon said. “This will be a massive change, but it’s necessary to improve Metro Manila’s main artery.”

While officials acknowledge that such a large-scale project will come with challenges, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo assured the public that they’re working on ways to speed up construction while minimizing disruption.

“With the help of the DOTr and MMDA, we aim to ease the burden on motorists and commuters as much as possible,” Bernardo said.

What Can We Expect?

Metro Manila mayors have committed to assisting in spreading the word and helping implement policies that will make the transition smoother.

“We’ll do our part not just in informing the public, but also in crafting additional policies if necessary,” Pateros Mayor Ike Ponce said. He also urged the public to brace themselves for the temporary inconvenience, reminding them that the end goal is a better, more efficient EDSA.

With final plans set to be unveiled next week, commuters and motorists can expect clearer details soon—including alternative routes and possible timeline updates. One thing’s for sure: big changes are coming, and the government is promising to make them as painless as possible.