MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to begin a major rehabilitation and upgrade of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) later this month.

In a Tuesday advisory, the DPWH-National Capital Region (NCR) announced that the rehabilitation will be carried out in segments, focusing on one lane at a time, beginning with the EDSA bus lane.

“By [the] end of March 2025, one segment of the rehabilitation will start in the northbound portion from Quezon City/ Caloocan boundary to Monumento,” the department said.

For the southbound side, which will be divided into 15 segments, work will commence once funding is released and the contract is finalized.

To minimize traffic disruptions, the DPWH will implement 24-hour construction shifts to accelerate the project’s progress. The initiative aims to provide a long-term solution to recurring issues such as potholes and damaged pavements by using reinforced concrete for greater road durability.

Additionally, the project includes an asphalt overlay with anti-rutting and cracking features to enhance road longevity. Drainage improvements will also be made by installing high-density polyethylene pipes.

Despite the ongoing construction, the DPWH-NCR assured commuters that the EDSA bus carousel will remain in operation. However, it will be temporarily relocated to an adjacent lane, while bus stations will stay open.

“Once the closed segments from the first lane are fully rehabilitated, the EDSA bus lane will move back to its original lane to accommodate its regular operations,” it added.

Motorists are advised to anticipate possible traffic slowdowns in affected areas and to use alternative lanes when necessary.

The public is encouraged to check DPWH-NCR’s official social media platforms for updates on the rehabilitation’s progress and the corresponding traffic management plan.

The project is being coordinated with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), local government units, and other stakeholders, aligning with DPWH’s goal of enhancing EDSA and improving road networks in Metro Manila.