EDSA Overhaul Preparations and Traffic Management Plan
Motorists should prepare for heavier traffic as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) starts preparatory work on June 13 for the EDSA overhaul. The government has introduced a comprehensive traffic management plan to ease congestion during this period, which includes toll-free access to Skyway Stage 3 and the reimplementation of the odd-even traffic scheme.
According to sources familiar with the matter, these measures are part of a five-point strategy aimed at minimizing traffic disruptions throughout the EDSA Rebuild project. This initiative is considered the most extensive rehabilitation effort on EDSA since the 1980s, targeting safer and more efficient travel along this vital route.
Scope and Timeline of the EDSA Overhaul
The initial phase will focus on repairing the northbound EDSA Busway lane, covering the stretch from Roxas Boulevard to Shaw Boulevard. Later phases will address the remaining lanes, with a goal to complete the entire overhaul by December 2026.
The project will also include lane-by-lane repairs on the southbound side from SM North to Roxas Boulevard and the northbound section from Quezon City–Caloocan to Monumento. Multiple contractors will work simultaneously to maintain continuous traffic flow during construction.
Key Traffic Relief Measures During Construction
To reduce congestion, officials have announced five major interventions. First, Skyway Stage 3 will be toll-free, encouraging drivers to use this alternative route. Second, 100 additional units will be deployed to the EDSA Busway to accommodate more commuters. Third, the MRT-3 will increase its frequency to handle higher passenger volumes.
Additionally, alternate routes will be cleared of obstructions, and the odd-even traffic coding scheme will be reinstated. Under this scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be restricted from using EDSA every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Conversely, vehicles with even-numbered plates (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) will be barred on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Expected Impact and Additional Traffic Controls
Local experts project these combined measures could reduce traffic volume on EDSA by up to 40 percent. Toll-free access to Skyway Stage 3 alone could cut traffic by 10 to 20 percent, while the odd-even scheme adds further relief.
To improve road conditions, provincial buses, trucks, and other large vehicles will be temporarily banned from entering EDSA between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will also remove bike lane separators to widen the road and introduce a dedicated motorcycle lane to enhance flow for two-wheeled vehicles.
Goals of the EDSA Rebuild Project
The EDSA Rebuild aims to modernize critical infrastructure, fix long-standing structural issues, and enhance the EDSA Busway system. Ultimately, it seeks to create a safer, more commuter- and pedestrian-friendly corridor for millions of daily travelers.
Officials acknowledge the inconvenience these changes may cause but emphasize their necessity for long-term improvements in traffic and commuter safety.
For more news and updates on EDSA overhaul preparations, visit Filipinokami.com.