EDSA Makeover: Two-Week Dry Run to Ease Future Traffic Woes

EDSA Rebuilding Project to Begin in June: A Two-Week Dry Run and Long-Term Plans Metro Manila, Philippines – The much-anticipated rehabilitation of EDSA, a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila, is set to begin on June 13th. The project, a joint effort by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), aims to significantly improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The initial phase will involve a two-week dry run of an odd-even number coding scheme for vehicles. This means vehicles with license plates ending in certain numbers will be restricted from using EDSA on specific days. "We understand this will cause some initial inconvenience," said a DOTr spokesperson, "but it is a necessary step to assess the system's effectiveness and minimize disruption during the main construction phase." The project, with a budget of 8.7 billion pesos, is expected to last until 2027. Beyond the initial two-week dry run, the project will involve the removal of existing barriers and the installation of new equipment along EDSA, and the addition of 100 buses to the EDSA busway. The DPWH has pledged to address drainage issues and improve pedestrian walkways. The long-term goal is to create a smoother, more efficient, and pedestrian-friendly EDSA. While the initial stages may cause some traffic congestion, the project promises a significant improvement in the quality of life for commuters in Metro Manila.