DPWH eyes December completion of EDSA sidewalk expansion from Pasay to Makati

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting to complete the expansion of sidewalks along EDSA, from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City to Guadalupe in Makati City before the end of the year, Secretary Vince Dizon said Wednesday. 

Dizon said the sidewalk expansion at the EDSA-Roxas Boulevard intersection in Pasay is already set to be finished ahead of the All Saints’ Day holiday.

The project covers both the northbound and southbound sides of the road and aims to provide more space for pedestrians, particularly commuters who frequently use the busy intersection. 

Dizon said the sidewalk in the area, which previously measured around 1.5 meters wide, has been expanded to approximately 4.5 to 4.6 meters.

“Malaking bagay ito para sa mga commuters kasi hindi na sila kailangan naglalakad sa kalye, hindi na delikado. ’Yun ang importante,” he said.

Dizon acknowledged that the work in Pasay has been challenging because of obstructions. 

“Very challenging lang itong Pasay kasi ang daming obstruction. Ang daming mga establishments na nag-occupy ng sidewalk,” he said.

He also said the rainy weather has delayed construction, as workers cannot proceed during rainfall without risking damage to the work.

Meanwhile, the DPWH has widened 111 of the 440 drainage inlets that need upgrading across Metro Manila in the past two months, according to Dizon.

The works cover several major roads, including EDSA, España Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Mother Ignacia Avenue and Roxas Boulevard. 

Dizon also cited improvements in areas previously prone to flooding, including Estrella, where he said floodwater that used to remain for around two hours no longer ponds after the drainage works.

However, the secretary said he could not yet provide a definite timeline for the completion of the entire EDSA rehabilitation project because of weather-related delays. 

“I can’t give you a timeline yet kasi nga pagka umulan one month, one month na walang trabaho ’yan kasi masisira lang,” he said.

Dizon said work on the road carriageway, or the portion used by vehicles, is currently around 40 percent done.

The northbound rehabilitation works have reached Shaw Boulevard, while the southbound section has progressed from Monumento to Bagong Barrio.