The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced a massive transformation for EDSA, scheduled to begin on Christmas Eve.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that the comprehensive rehabilitation of the capital’s busiest thoroughfare will start on December 24, 2025, utilizing the holiday lull to jumpstart critical roadworks.
By pivoting to advanced engineering methods, the government has successfully compressed the project’s timeline from two years down to just eight months.
Under this new schedule, the public can expect the final completion of the entire EDSA corridor by August 2026.
This faster delivery is attributed to a shift in construction strategy ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to reduce commuter hardship. Instead of the traditional, slow process of total concrete reblocking, the DPWH will deploy Stone Mastic Asphalt technology.
This method focuses on a high-durability grinding and overlay technique that provides a smoother surface in significantly less time.
The department will reserve heavy reblocking only for the most dilapidated sections of the highway, further speeding up the process.
The project will be executed in a two-stage rollout to keep Metro Manila moving.
The first phase will run 24/7 from December 24 through January 5, focusing on the segment between Roxas Boulevard and Orense Street.
Following the holiday period, the second phase will transition to a strict nighttime schedule.
Crews will work only between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. to ensure that all lanes are fully operational for daily commuters during rush hours.
Financially, the updated plan represents a major win for taxpayers.
The strategic shift in materials and scheduling has brought the project cost down to approximately P6 billion, a significant saving
compared to the original P17 billion estimate.
Beyond the pavement, the rehabilitation will include standardizing pedestrian walkways and improving drainage systems to create a more resilient and accessible corridor.
The MMDA and DOTr are working in tandem to manage traffic flow and provide alternate routes throughout the duration of the works.