EDSA flood control tunnel sought

Citing chronic traffic congestion and increasing flood risks, a lawmaker proposed an ambitious infrastructure project: a dual-purpose road tunnel and flood control channel beneath Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.

Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr. filed House Resolution 2130, urging the National Economic and Development Authority to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the project.

The resolution also calls for coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the National Irrigation Administration.

“EDSA is overstretched and flood-prone. We need bold, long-term infrastructure solutions that address both traffic congestion and climate-driven flooding,” Campos said.

Stretching 23.8 kilometers, EDSA is the primary north-south artery in Luzon. It currently handles over 400,000 vehicles daily, far exceeding its designed capacity of 288,000, making it one of the country’s most congested highways.

Additionally, low-lying areas along EDSA are increasingly susceptible to flooding during the rainy season, disrupting transportation and causing economic losses.