Traffic Major Traffic Measures Announced for EDSA Overhaul Project

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Motorists in Metro Manila have been advised to prepare for increased traffic as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) launches preparatory work on the extensive EDSA rehabilitation project, slated to start on June 13. Key measures to alleviate congestion include toll-free access to Skyway Stage 3 and a reimplementation of the odd-even traffic scheme.

 

At a joint press conference, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, and officials from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) outlined a comprehensive five-point traffic management plan aimed at mitigating disruptions during the highly anticipated EDSA Rebuild. This effort marks the most significant refurbishment of the historic thoroughfare since the 1980s.

 

The initial phase of construction will commence with the northbound EDSA Busway lane, stretching from Roxas Boulevard to Shaw Boulevard. Subsequent phases will involve systematic repairs of all other lanes, with the ambitious goal of completing the project by December 2026. The large-scale undertaking will include lane-by-lane repairs on stretches from SM North to Roxas Boulevard and from Quezon City–Caloocan to Monumento.

 

To maintain traffic flow during construction, multiple contractors will operate concurrently along the thoroughfare. Secretary Dizon announced five strategic initiatives to mitigate expected gridlock: offering toll-free access on Skyway Stage 3, deploying 100 additional EDSA Busway units, increasing MRT-3 service frequency, clearing alternative routes, and enforcing the odd-even license plate coding scheme.

 

Under the traffic coding system, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers—1, 3, 5, 7, and 9—will be restricted from EDSA every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Similarly, those with plates ending in even numbers—2, 4, 6, 8, and 0—will face restrictions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. To incentivize drivers to use alternate routes, the government will subsidize the toll holiday on Skyway Stage 3.

 

“We acknowledge the inconvenience but these measures are crucial for long-term improvements in traffic flow and commuter safety,” said Dizon.

 

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes estimated that these tactics could cut traffic volume on EDSA by up to 40% when combined. “With Skyway Stage 3 being toll-free, we anticipate a 10 to 20 percent reduction in traffic. The odd-even scheme could amplify this to 40 percent, helping us prevent a ‘carmageddon’ and improve travel speeds,” Artes stated.

 

To further alleviate congestion, provincial buses, trucks, and other large vehicles will be temporarily banned from EDSA between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Additionally, the MMDA plans to remove bike lane separators to widen the road and implement a dedicated motorcycle lane, thus optimizing the flow for two-wheel riders.

 

The extensive EDSA Rebuild project is set to modernize critical transportation infrastructure, rectify long-standing structural issues, enhance the EDSA Busway system, and ultimately provide a safer, more efficient corridor for the millions of commuters who rely on it daily.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-26