Quezon City: A complete rebuild of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) is set to begin on June 13, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday. In an interview at the EDSA Busway’s Balintawak Station in Quezon City, MMDA Chair Romando Artes mentioned that the project is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ‘Build, Better, More’ initiative. It will involve a comprehensive information campaign on the project’s schedules, plans, rerouting schemes, and other measures to mitigate traffic slowdowns.

According to Philippines News Agency, the EDSA rebuild was announced to begin in mid-June by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon during an inspection of the EDSA Busway station’s elevators. Dizon emphasized that this project would not be a standard rehabilitation but a ‘total rebuild’ of EDSA, noting that it has been 45 years since its last major rehabilitation.

Dizon highlighted the challenges and benefits of the project, stating, “Total rebuild, babaguhin na natin ang EDSA. Mahirap siya habang ginagawa, ma-traffic, may perwisyo, pero kapag natapos ito, talagang napaka-laking ginhawa para sa mga kababayan.” This reflects the inconvenience expected during construction but also the significant relief it promises once completed.

To alleviate the inconvenience for motorists, the DOTr, as chair of the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), plans to open portions of the Skyway for free access. Other project specifics are still being worked out with various government agencies and partners.