Motorists endure heavy traffic along EDSA in Guadalupe, Kamati on December 22, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday acknowledged that the upcoming rehabilitation of EDSA could cause a major impact on traffic along Metro Manila's main highway.

But Dizon said all concerned agencies and local government units were doing their best to mitigate the impact and protect the welfare of motorists and commuters.

In a briefing with the Metro Manila Council, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, Dizon said that after the foreseen prolonged period of discomfort, motorists would enjoy improvement in overall traffic flow.

"Malaki at mahabang pagtitiis... Mabigat po ang magiging epekto," Dizon said.

"Hindi biro ang proyektong ito, it needs to be planned hindi pwedeng pumasok na hindi pa na-finalize overall. Hindi lang construction itself. Pero yung iba-iba pang mga bagay na kailangan para maibsan ang hirap. Pagpasensyahan nyo na po talaga. Ang pangako namin, pinaplanong mabuti, hindi papasok nang dalas-dalas, pinaplano natin," the transport chief said.

Dizon said detailed plans, especially for traffic management, would be released once finalized. He added the government might be able to present it next week.

Officials from the DPWH, DOTr and MMDA said that while the project was likely to start "within April," the schedule could still be adjusted after considering recommendations.

"Kung kailangan i-move, gagawin natin para hindi makompromiso ang mga motorist natin," said Dizon.

"Walang perpektong solusyon, we just have to plan this well and learn along the way," he added.

EDSA southbound rehab may start in April: DOTr

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said, "Sabi ng DPWH within April, more likely within April… Syempre may adjustments tayong ginagawa."

He also said there was no delay in the project. Extensive meetings were held to avoid carmageddon, Artes said.

"I can say na walang delay, it's just that masyadong komplikado yung paggawa nitong EDSA na hindi pwedeng bigla-biglaan ang decision. Maraming moving parts na hindi pwedeng ito lang, kasi may epekto sa iba. Kailangan pagtama-tamain, wag magkaroon ng carmageddon at wag maging parking lot and EDSA at buong Manila," Artes said.

Dizon said the EDSA rehabilitation could take up to a year and a half.

More details to follow.