DPWH eyes faster, cheaper method for EDSA rehab
DPWH-NCR Director Engr. Loreta Malaluan said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday that the agency, in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is evaluating methods that would allow the rehabilitation to proceed more efficiently along Metro Manila's busiest thoroughfare.
Instead of the original plan involving full lane-by-lane excavation and reconstruction, engineers are now studying a technique that reinforces the existing road base with concrete and asphalt overlays. This approach would eliminate the need for complete pavement removal while still addressing structural concerns.
'This new technology is expected not just to expedite the construction schedule but also to improve the overall pavement condition,' Malaluan said.
The DPWH is also conducting a time-and-motion study to assess the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. If adopted, it could significantly shorten the project timeline and reduce the total cost, currently estimated between P8 billion and P17 billion.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier suspended the EDSA rehabilitation plan, originally scheduled to start on June 13, to allow a one-month review.
He instructed concerned agencies to explore faster and more modern construction techniques that would minimize disruption and shorten the rehabilitation period from the original two years to as little as six months or up to a year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
05-07-2025
- Filipino Times
DPWH eyes faster, cheaper method for EDSA rehab
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is exploring alternative construction technologies and materials to accelerate the rehabilitation of EDSA and reduce the project's overall cost and traffic impact. DPWH-NCR Director Engr. Loreta Malaluan said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday that the agency, in coordination with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is evaluating methods that would allow the rehabilitation to proceed more efficiently along Metro Manila's busiest thoroughfare. Instead of the original plan involving full lane-by-lane excavation and reconstruction, engineers are now studying a technique that reinforces the existing road base with concrete and asphalt overlays. This approach would eliminate the need for complete pavement removal while still addressing structural concerns. 'This new technology is expected not just to expedite the construction schedule but also to improve the overall pavement condition,' Malaluan said. The DPWH is also conducting a time-and-motion study to assess the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed method. If adopted, it could significantly shorten the project timeline and reduce the total cost, currently estimated between P8 billion and P17 billion. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier suspended the EDSA rehabilitation plan, originally scheduled to start on June 13, to allow a one-month review. He instructed concerned agencies to explore faster and more modern construction techniques that would minimize disruption and shorten the rehabilitation period from the original two years to as little as six months or up to a year.
Filipino Times
05-02-2025
- Filipino Times
MMDA eyes possible shutdown of EDSA busway
Operations of the Epifanio delos Santos Ave. (EDSA) busway may be shut down eventually should there be enough passenger capacity for the Metro Rail Line Transit (MRT-3), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 5, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said there are plans to launch a new train wagon to increase the current MRT capacity by 30%. Artes said the purpose of the MRT and EDSA busway is just 'repetitive.' 'Kung maa-accommodate naman sa taas, sa tren iyong mga pasahero, we don't see the need na magkaroon pa ng bus kasi exactly the same route nga siya. In fact, mas bentahe pa nga ang train dahil mas marami siyang stops kaysa sa bus carousel,' he said. The MMDA chief said there are also suggestions to free up the current EDSA bus lane for use of high-occupancy vehicles. 'May plano po ang DOTr na talagang magkaroon ng seamless transfer from different train system like MRT, idugtong na talaga sa LRT 1, or iyong sa north, same, LRT-1,' Artes noted. Artes, however, clarified that the proposal will not happen if train capacity will not be addressed. 'Hangga't hindi pa kaya i-accomodate ng MRT iyong pasahero po ng bus carousel, hindi maaalis iyong buses na iyan,' he said. Just early this week, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr is fixing terms of reference for the privatization of the EDSA carousel operations for a possible turnover in 2026. The special bus lane began in 2020 to address travel woes during the pandemic. It followed a paid fare system in 2023. Bus operations stretch from Monumento in Caloocan to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).
Filipino Times
30-12-2024
- Filipino Times
Marcos signs P6.326T budget for 2025
President Bongbong Marcos signed the P6.326 trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA), slightly lower than the P6.352 trillion approved by the bicameral conference of Congress. 'This budget reflects our collective commitment to transforming economic gains into meaningful outcomes for every Filipino. It is designed not only to address our present needs but also to sustain growth and uplift the lives of generations yet to come,' said Marcos during the ceremonial signing event in Malacañang on Monday, Dec. 30. Marcos said he had vetoed P194 billion worth of items from the proposed budget. 'These include allocations for certain programs and projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and those under the Unprogrammed Appropriations, which increased by 300 percent,' said Marcos. The president also noted that the government would set conditional implementation for the controversial Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP). 'To ensure that the people's funds are utilized in accordance with their authorized and stated purpose,' said Marcos. 'This approach is anchored in a simple yet profound truth: the appropriation of public funds must not break the public trust,' he added. The president also thanked the public for being vigilant in the proposed budget. 'Sa Sambayanang Pilipino, nakikinig po kami sa inyo. Salamat po sa inyong pagkilatis sa ating National Budget at sa pagpuna sa kaibahan ng isinumite ng Kongreso sa President's proposed budget. Kaya naman po kahit Pasko, kami po ay nagtrabaho upang pag-aralan ito,' he added. [Translation: The Filipino people, we are listening to you. Thank you for scrutinizing our National Budget and for pointing out the differences between what Congress submitted and the President's proposed budget. That's why, even during Christmas, we worked hard to study it]
