Metro Manila’s busiest highway is about to go under the knife as the long-awaited rehabilitation of EDSA is set to begin in March.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is finalizing the timetable and traffic management plan to minimize disruption, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Romando Artes.

The project was discussed in a recent meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., where the government’s Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and nearby provinces was tackled. The rehabilitation will kick off with repairs on the southbound lane, with the goal of completing the work in time for the upcoming ASEAN events.

One major challenge is the state of EDSA’s drainage system, which will undergo repairs alongside the roadwork. Artes pointed out that since the drainage is located in the outer lane, existing utilities in the area could complicate the process. The MMDA has raised concerns about how this will impact traffic flow, given that EDSA is already notorious for congestion.

DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan confirmed that EDSA’s rehabilitation is a key priority for the Marcos administration, alongside other major infrastructure projects. The goal is to improve riding quality, ease congestion, and enhance the daily commute for millions of Filipinos who rely on the thoroughfare.

After years of patchwork fixes, the government is finally pushing for a full-scale rehabilitation, hoping to bring long-term relief to motorists and commuters alike. Before we get that, however, expect some Carmageddon while they do the works. Maybe now would be a good time to try cycling.