DECEMBER 24, 2025 — Rehabilitation works along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) officially began today December 24, causing noticeable slowdowns for motorists, particularly along the northbound lanes during the busy holiday season. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiated road reblocking and asphalt overlay operations, prompting the closure of the inner lanes from Magallanes Interchange to the Ayala Tunnel using traffic pylons.

In addition, another stretch of the inner northbound lane—from Roxas Boulevard up to Magallanes Interchange—has also been closed to accommodate the same rehabilitation activities. As a result, drivers experienced heavier traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, as vehicles were funneled into fewer usable lanes.

According to DPWH, the timing of the rehabilitation during the holiday period is intended to take advantage of lighter traffic volume, as many offices, schools, and businesses are on break. However, for those still traveling through Metro Manila—particularly essential workers, holiday shoppers, and travelers heading to bus terminals—the inconvenience is immediately felt.

From a broader perspective, the start of EDSA’s rehabilitation highlights a long-standing dilemma in infrastructure development: balancing urgency with public convenience. While road repairs are undeniably necessary to address wear and tear, flooding issues, and safety concerns, their execution during a major holiday can test public patience. Still, many commuters acknowledge that delaying such works could result in even worse conditions later on.

The EDSA rehab also reflects the government’s continuing effort to modernize and maintain the country’s most vital thoroughfare, which serves hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily. If completed efficiently and transparently, the project could significantly improve road safety and driving conditions in the long term. For now, authorities advise motorists to plan trips ahead, consider alternative routes, and allow extra travel time. While the inconvenience is real, the hope remains that these short-term sacrifices will lead to smoother, safer journeys on EDSA in the years to come. (Larawan: Screengrab from video uploaded on facebook)