The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it continues to carry out round-the-clock repairs along EDSA and is aiming to complete the ongoing concrete reblocking ahead of the target completion in the early morning of January 5.
Reblocking works on several sections of EDSA started on December 24 to take advantage of lighter traffic during the holiday break.
In a statement on Friday, the DPWH said it has deployed additional equipment and personnel and is operating 24/7 to accelerate the EDSA Rehabilitation project and finish the repairs ahead of schedule.
Phase 1 of the EDSA Rehabilitation is expected to be completed by May 2026.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon earlier said reblocking would be undertaken only on portions that require repair, instead of replacing all the concrete slabs along EDSA as originally planned.
The DPWH said further repair works and asphalt overlaying beyond January 5 will be carried out between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. to minimize traffic disruption.
The agency also thanked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Department of Transportation for deploying additional traffic enforcers while rehabilitation works are ongoing.
It likewise appealed for public understanding as the essential road improvements are carried out.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Saturday it is coordinating with the DPWH and the MMDA on the possible deployment of personnel to help manage traffic and maintain security during the rehabilitation period.
“We expect heavy traffic and we are ready to assist in terms of manpower for traffic management and other peace and order-related concerns, including road rage that could be prevented with the visible presence of our personnel,” said PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
The PNP said rapid deployment teams will be placed on standby to respond to emergencies and that its closed-circuit television cameras, traffic sensors and applications will be used to monitor traffic conditions and provide timely advisories to the public.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier postponed the rehabilitation of Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare in June, citing the disruption it could cause, and directed the DPWH to come up with a revised plan for the EDSA repairs.
