QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Commuters relying on the EDSA bus carousel can breathe a sigh of relief: the Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) has confirmed that the vital transport service will continue operating throughout the upcoming, extensive rehabilitation of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
Starting at the end of March, the DPWH-NCR will embark on a phased rehabilitation, addressing EDSA’s persistent issues, from potholes to damaged pavements.
Jana Patricia Reyes, from the DPWH-NCR Regional Public Affairs Information Office, detailed the strategy: “We assure the public that the EDSA bus carousel will remain operational. It will be temporarily relocated to an adjacent lane as needed, while the bus stations themselves will remain open.”
The initial phase will focus on the northbound lanes, beginning at the Quezon City-Caloocan City boundary and extending to Monumento.
Work will proceed one lane at a time, starting with the bus lane.
Once a segment is fully rehabilitated, the bus carousel will return to its original lane, allowing for uninterrupted service. Subsequent phases will then address the remaining lanes, moving outwards.
“The construction will progress systematically, from the bus lane to the outer lane, one at a time,” Reyes explained.
This rehabilitation is crucial, especially considering the sheer volume of passengers relying on the EDSA busway. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the busway served over 5.5 million passengers in January 2025 alone, highlighting its critical role in Metro Manila’s transportation network. Furthermore, in December 2024, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recorded over 464,000 vehicles traversing EDSA daily, emphasizing the road’s heavy traffic load.
The southbound lanes of EDSA will also undergo rehabilitation in 15 segments. However, work on these sections will commence once funding is secured and contracts are approved.
To minimize disruption, the DPWH-NCR plans to conduct rehabilitation activities around the clock, aiming for a swift completion.
The project will employ reinforced concrete for enhanced road integrity, crucial given the heavy traffic. Additionally, asphalt overlay work will prevent rutting and cracking, and improvements to the drainage system, including the installation of HDPE pipes, will be implemented.
“This rehabilitation is a long-term solution to the road issues plaguing EDSA,” Reyes emphasized.
The DPWH-NCR is working closely with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), local government units, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth execution of the project. Motorists are advised to anticipate potential traffic slowdowns in affected areas and are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
Regular updates regarding the rehabilitation activities and traffic management plans will be available on the official social media channels of the DPWH-NCR, keeping the public informed throughout the project. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
