The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has announced the early start of the long-planned Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) rehabilitation project, a major infrastructure effort originally slated for 2026.

Officials said Phase 1 of the rehabilitation will now begin on Christmas Eve, 24 December 2025, taking advantage of the holiday period when fewer motorists are expected to be on Metro Manila roads, helping ease congestion along the capital’s busiest thoroughfare.

Phase 1 will cover the stretch from Roxas Boulevard to Orense in Makati City and will run until 5 January 2026.

Under the revised schedule, the entire rehabilitation project is expected to be completed between January and May 2026, significantly shorter than the originally planned two-year timeline. Authorities said the strategy was redesigned to minimize disruption to motorists and commuters.

The project will be implemented in two phases.

Phase 1, from 24 December to 5 January, will involve intensive 24/7 road repairs along the Roxas Boulevard to Orense segment.

Phase 2, from January until 31 May 2026, will consist of nighttime works on the remaining sections of EDSA from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily to reduce daytime traffic impact.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the plan is intended to avoid prolonged lane closures by concentrating construction activities during off-peak hours, including the holiday break.

The rehabilitation will use Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) technology, which allows faster installation and provides greater durability compared with traditional asphalt.

The total cost of the project is estimated at P6 billion, lower than earlier projections, as the revised phased approach reduces the need for extensive reblocking along the entire stretch of EDSA.