The government says commuters and pedestrians will soon see safer and more efficient travel along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) as sidewalk expansion works under its ongoing rehabilitation reach 60 percent completion.
The sidewalk project covers the stretch from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay to Orense Street in Makati and is part of the broader EDSA rehabilitation being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said wider sidewalks are crucial because of the heavy number of commuters using EDSA daily. Without proper walkways, pedestrians are often forced onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
The expanded sidewalks will also include integrated bike lanes designed to meet international standards, allowing cyclists to travel more safely along the major highway.
DPWH aims to finish the first phase of the EDSA rehabilitation by July 2026. This phase covers the section from Roxas Boulevard to EDSA–Orense. The agency is also preparing procurement for Phase 2, which will run from Orense Street to Cubao, with inspections planned before the rollout.
The entire rehabilitation project is estimated to cost P6 billion, significantly lower than the original P17-billion budget. Construction started during the Christmas holiday and continues 24 hours a day to meet the planned eight-month timeline.
EDSA, a 23.8-kilometer highway linking Pasay City and Caloocan City, is one of Metro Manila’s busiest roads. Studies by the Japan International Cooperation Agency show traffic congestion in the capital already costs the economy about P3.5 billion daily, a figure that could rise to P5.4 billion a day by 2035 if major improvements are not made.
Officials say improving pedestrian space and traffic flow along EDSA is part of broader efforts to ease congestion and make daily travel safer for commuters.
