Heads-Up, Commuters: EDSA’s Getting a Massive Glow Up Starting June

If you have ever been stuck in EDSA traffic wondering when the road will improve, here is some good news. Starting 13 June, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) will begin a major ₱8.7 billion rehabilitation project to give EDSA its biggest upgrade in decades.

This is not just a quick fix. The entire stretch of the road, both northbound and southbound, will be rebuilt using modern construction methods. These upgrades are designed to make the road stronger, smoother, and more durable. The last time EDSA had such a major overhaul was in the 1980s. So yes, this is a big deal.

Of course, with such a large project, there will be some disruption. But here is everything you need to know about what will happen, where the work will start, and how this will affect your daily commute.

What the EDSA rehabilitation will look like

Image credit: Patrickroque01 | Wikimedia commons

The project will officially begin on the night of 13 June with preparatory work. One week later, full construction will start. The good news is that the work will be done lane by lane, so the entire highway will not be closed at once. This should help keep traffic moving as much as possible. Multiple contractors will work at the same time to speed up the project.

The first area to be fixed will be the southbound lanes, specifically between Pasay and Guadalupe. The northbound lanes will undergo rehabilitation in 2026.

If you use the EDSA Bus Lane, which almost 200,000 passengers rely on every day, do not worry. It will remain open throughout the rehabilitation. This is important for those who use it to travel quickly and affordably around the city.

The timing of the project is also planned carefully. The government wants major sections finished before the ASEAN Summit in 2026, which the Philippines will host. It would not look good to have world leaders visiting while EDSA is under construction, so they are working hard to avoid this.

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What this means for your commute and patience

Image credit: Patrickroque01 | Wikimedia commons

Let us be honest, traffic will probably get worse before it gets better. The DoTr is already coordinating with other agencies to manage traffic carefully. They are looking at alternative routes, traffic management plans, and will provide regular updates to keep commuters informed.

If you travel on EDSA regularly, be prepared for some delays and congestion. However, the goal is to have a safer, smoother, and more reliable road for everyone. If all goes well, EDSA should be much improved by 2027.

For now, the best advice is to stay updated on the construction progress, plan your trips ahead, and try to find alternative routes when possible. The EDSA glow up has begun, and although it will take some patience, it may finally deliver the road upgrade Metro Manila has been waiting for.