A foreign engineering expert has proposed the use of cutting-edge technology to help the Philippine government fast-track the rehabilitation of EDSA, Metro Manila’s main traffic artery, while reducing its impact on commuters.

Alex Campbell, Director of Engineering Solutions at AnyWay Solutions, stated that the company is offering to utilize artificial intelligence (AI), LiDAR scanning, and advanced data processing to support a more strategic and commuter-friendly rollout of the EDSA pavement rehabilitation project.

“Data is power. If we have better information, we can make better decisions,” Campbell told the DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Let’s focus here first, or this is priority one, two, and three — versus the plan, which seems to be, ‘Let’s just go in there, close the lane, and see what needs to be done.’”

The firm emphasized that rehabilitation, not full reconstruction, is on the table, meaning the road will be upgraded, not rebuilt from scratch. AnyWay Solutions aims to identify which of EDSA’s 200 lane-kilometers require attention and recommend specific work zones to minimize impact on traffic flow.

Tech-aided strategy

Traditionally, road condition assessments involve manual surveys using bulky equipment and road closures. AnyWay proposes the use of LiDAR, which scans road surfaces using laser light to produce centimeter-level accuracy at high speed, without disrupting traffic.

Campbell explained that this technology can collect massive amounts of data while vehicles remain on the road, allowing engineers to generate a full digital surface model of EDSA. From there, planners can pinpoint sections that require urgent repair and avoid unnecessary closures.

“We’re gathering traffic as part of traffic,” Campbell said. “We don’t need to close the lanes or the road at all.”

Extensive AI deployment

The collected data will then be processed using machine learning and AI tools to create what Campbell described as “actionable intelligence” — a prioritized roadmap that guides rehabilitation work based on real-time conditions.

Campbell warned that without a clear, targeted strategy, the government risks worsening congestion during the project.

“Every citizen should be a little bit concerned,” he said. “EDSA is already crowded when it’s working. Imagine closing lanes without a plan.”

He noted that while full closures are not necessary, some disruption is inevitable. That’s why AnyWay recommends off-peak work schedules, including nights and weekends, to minimize the impact on daily commuters.

EDSA, which he described as the “heartbeat of the city,” was built more than 60 years ago and is now carrying far beyond its intended capacity. With rising car ownership and population growth, Campbell stressed the urgent need for upgrades, done smartly.

“As prosperity improves, the livelihoods of citizens improve. They want to buy a vehicle,” he said. “But now, you have a greater population using the same road. That’s why a strategic plan is crucial.”

Support for authorities

Campbell added that the company is not pushing for large-scale interventions, but rather assisting in precision planning.

He proposed placing more traffic officers at key intersections, temporarily suspending tolls on alternative routes, and targeting intersections and bus lanes — major chokepoints — for night and weekend work.

“If you’ve got 10 or 20 lanes of traffic all trying to merge into one, that’s where traffic jams start. If we can avoid interfering with those points during peak hours, we can ease the pain for commuters,” he explained.

AnyWay Solutions maintains a regional office in Manila and has worked with engineers on several global transport projects. The company now hopes to bring that experience to one of Metro Manila’s most critical infrastructure efforts yet.

“What we’re trying to do here is help Manila get through the necessary rehabilitation of the EDSA pavement,” Campbell said.

Campbell emphasized that rehabilitation extends beyond repairs — it’s about optimizing the entire project ecosystem. He noted that delays often result from poor coordination, such as construction teams waiting for materials or unclear task sequencing. To prevent this, AnyWay follows a three-tiered approach: data-driven planning, contractor alignment, and real-time project oversight.

“We want to ensure contractors know what needs to be done and when. If everyone’s working off the same data, it shortens timelines and reduces waste,” he said.

According to Campbell, not all road sections require complete replacement. In many cases, concrete slabs can be repaired with targeted treatments, such as sealing, grinding, or adding a new surface layer. Complete slab replacement would only be necessary in cases of severe cracking or structural failure.

Beyond efficiency, environmental impact is also a priority. He cautioned that removing and replacing entire lanes of concrete could generate significant carbon emissions and waste. Instead, the company proposes minimal intervention where possible to reduce environmental and financial costs.

With compact sensors and LiDAR tools now small enough to fit inside a suitcase, Campbell said the company can deploy rapidly without requiring large vehicles or road closures. Their local team, already familiar with Manila’s traffic behavior, is on standby.

“We’re ready to mobilize as soon as we get the green light,” he said.

“This isn’t about handing over a report and walking away. It’s about seeing the project through — until people feel the difference.”