The Manila Police District (MPD) has issued a traffic rerouting scheme for motorists in preparation for the highly anticipated Traslacion 2026 on Friday, January 9, a traditional procession celebrated during the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila that is attended by millions of devotees.
In its advisory, the MPD announced that a total of 16 roads will be closed starting at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8.
These include Bonifacio Drive (northbound and southbound), Katigbak Drive and South Drive (with one lane accessible to Manila Hotel and H20 Hotel), Independence Road, P. Burgos (eastbound and westbound), Finance Road (eastbound and westbound), Ma. Orosa Street (northbound and southbound), Taft Avenue (northbound and southbound), Romualdez Street, Ayala Boulevard (northbound and southbound), C. Palanca Street (northbound and southbound), P. Casal Street (northbound and southbound), Legarda Street (northbound and southbound), Quezon Boulevard (northbound and southbound), Lerma Street (westbound), McArthur Bridge (northbound and southbound), and Jones Bridge (northbound and southbound).
To prevent disruption of traffic flow during the procession, a rerouting scheme will also be implemented.
For southbound vehicles, those traveling along Mel Lopez Boulevard (R-10) going to Roxas Boulevard must turn left to Capulong Street, continue to Yuseco Street, then proceed to Lacson Avenue following the old truck route.
Vehicles on A. Mendoza Street heading to Quezon Boulevard must turn right to Fugoso Street and continue to Rizal Avenue.
Motorists on the westbound lane of España Boulevard going to Quezon Boulevard must turn right to N. Reyes Street and proceed to CM Recto Avenue.
Those traveling southbound on Rizal Avenue intending to use McArthur Bridge must turn left to CM Recto Avenue and then left to Legarda Street.
Vehicles on J. Abad Santos Avenue or R. Regente heading to Intramuros must turn right to San Fernando Street, left to Madrid Street, left to Muelle Dela Industria, then cross the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge to A. Soriano Avenue, or alternatively take Juan Luna Street and proceed to Muelle Dela Industria.
Light vehicles coming from Bonifacio Drive must take Anda Circle and then turn left to Soriano Avenue.
For northbound vehicles, those coming from A. Mabini Street and Ma. Orosa Street intending to use TM Kalaw Avenue must turn right to U.N. Avenue, continue to P. Guanzon Street, and cross Mabini Bridge.
Vehicles traveling northbound along Taft Avenue going to P. Burgos Avenue must also turn right to U.N. Avenue, continue to P. Guanzon Street, and cross Mabini Bridge.
Trucks and trailers traveling northbound along Osmeña Highway going to Mel Lopez Boulevard (Pier Area) must turn right to Pres. Quirino Avenue and proceed to Mabini Bridge.
Similarly, trucks and trailers traveling northbound along Roxas Boulevard going to Mel Lopez Boulevard must turn right to Pres. Quirino Avenue and proceed to Mabini Bridge, following the old truck route.
Light vehicles traveling northbound along Roxas Boulevard going to P. Burgos Avenue must turn right to U.N. Avenue, continue to P. Guanzon Street, and cross Mabini Bridge.
The MPD also advised motorists that some streets will be closed temporarily as the procession approaches. These roads will remain closed until the celebration concludes, except for areas that have already been cleared after the Traslacion procession has passed. (Patrick Garcia)
