The City of Manila and the Manila Police District (MPD) have announced extensive road closures and traffic rerouting schemes beginning Monday, Feb. 16, to give way to the celebration of Chinese New Year in the Binondo district.
The closures are scheduled to take effect in phases to accommodate the influx of visitors and the annual festivities scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Phased Road Closures
According to the MPD traffic advisory, motorists should prepare for the following bridges and thoroughfares to be cordoned off starting Monday:
• 3:00 a.m.: Binondo-Intramuros Bridge
• 7:00 p.m.: Jones Bridge (Southbound)
• 9:00 p.m.: Jones Bridge (Northbound)
• 10:00 p.m.: * Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz U-turn access (from Juan Luna St. to Quintin Paredes St.)
• Ongpin St. (from Juan Luna St. to Quintin Paredes St.)
• Quintin Paredes St. (from Dasmariñas St. to Escolta St.)
• Juan Luna St. (from Dasmariñas St. to Muelle de la Industria)
• Plaza Cervantes
Rerouting and Alternative Routes
To manage the expected congestion, the MPD has advised motorists to follow these rerouting guidelines:
• Northbound from P. Burgos Ave.: Vehicles intending to use Jones Bridge are advised to take MacArthur Bridge or Quezon Bridge.
• Southbound from Juan Luna St.: Motorists heading to Jones Bridge should turn right onto Dasmariñas St., left onto Muelle de Binondo, and continue toward Plaza Sta. Cruz via Muelle de la Industria.
• From Riverside Drive: Northbound vehicles heading for the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge will be diverted to A. Soriano Ave. and Anda Circle.
• From San Fernando St.: Vehicles heading toward Plaza Cervantes and Jones Bridge must turn right onto Dasmariñas St. and proceed through Muelle de Binondo.
Parade and Holiday Reminders
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, a grand parade is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. from the Manila Central Post Office, ending at Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The parade route will include Jones Bridge, Escolta St., Plaza Sta. Cruz, and several streets within the Binondo area.
In line with the festivities, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced the suspension of the expanded number coding scheme on Feb. 17.
Malacañang earlier declared the date a special non-working day to allow the public to participate in the Lunar New Year celebrations.