EDSA rehab to start soon – DOTr

MANILA, Philippines — Preparations for the long-overdue rehabilitation of EDSA are being finalized, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“This rehabilitation has not been done in almost five decades. The President has said it is time for a complete overhaul,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said yesterday.

Local government units across Metro Manila are expected to submit their inputs on the project today, Dizon said.

State agencies and local officials are coordinating to minimize traffic congestion during the EDSA rehabilitation, he said.

The EDSA busway that serves around 200,000 commuters daily will remain operational throughout the rehabilitation, Dizon said.

Project completion is expected after about one and a half years, with sufficient funding already allocated, he noted.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways took part in the finalization of rehabilitation plans.

As for the long-delayed opening of a common station linking three railway lines, Dizon said the government is terminating the existing contract to ensure project completion before the end of President Marcos’ term.

The common station will link the Light Rail Transit Line 1, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 and MRT-7.

Dizon said seismic monitors in transport infrastructure have been installed to assess earthquake risks and determine if evacuations are necessary.

“We need to conduct regular inspections to ensure safety,” Dizon said.

Other installations and structures will undergo immediate retrofitting to enhance their resilience against natural disasters, he said.