The Department of Transportation advised the public brace for heavy traffic as rehabilitation of EDSA starts by the end of March.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon said heavy traffic flow is inevitable as full rehab of the entire EDSA will be implemented, unlike before that rehab is not piece by piece.

“Kaya po hihingi na lamang po tayo ng paumanhin pero gagawin po natin ang lahat sa tulong ng [Metropolitan Manila Development Authority] at [Department of Public Works and Highways] para po maibsan ang traffic diyan,” Dizon added.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways will be doing everything to ease the traffic in the affected areas.

Dizon earlier said the repairs could begin in April.

The DPWH – National Capital Region earlier said one segment of the rehabilitation will start in the northbound portion from the Quezon City/Caloocan boundary to Monumento.

“Following the anticipated major rehabilitation and upgrading of EDSA, the DPWH-NCR is actively preparing to implement the rehabilitation works by segments, one lane at a time, starting from the EDSA bus lane,” it said.

The rehabilitation works are part of the country’s hosting preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year.