MMDA reroutes traffic for Nazarene procession on Friday

Motorists passing through Manila on Friday should be prepared for the worst, as traffic will be rerouted for the usual massive Black Nazarene procession.

About 2,000 personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been deployed for the Black Nazarene procession on Friday to help in traffic management and cleanup efforts.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said on Monday that the deployment of the MMDA employees composed of the Rescue Team, Traffic Discipline Office and Metro Parkway Clearing Group would start as early as Thursday morning.

“They will be stationed on the six-kilometer procession route which will start at the Quirino Grandstand [and end in] Quiapo Church,” he added.

At the same time, he asked devotees not to bring their cars on the feast day as several roads in Manila would be closed.

The Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit earlier said that Katigbak Drive and South Drive would be closed to traffic starting at 9 p.m. on Jan. 8, while other routes like MacArthur Bridge, Jones Bridge, Quezon Bridge, Roxas Boulevard (from Katigbak Drive to TM Kalaw Avenue), both lanes of Quezon Boulevard from Andalucia/Fugoso to España/P. Campa southbound and Taft Avenue northbound would be closed starting at 3 a.m. on Friday.

For vehicles coming from Quezon City, the MMDA advised drivers to use the stretch of España, turn right on P. Campa, left on Andalucia, right on Fugoso, then left on T. Mapua to their destination.

Meanwhile, all public utility jeepneys and other light vehicles coming from España bound for Pier South should turn left on Nicanor Reyes, right on Recto, straight to R-10, then left on R-10 toward Delpan Bridge.

“All vehicles coming from the northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive southbound shall turn right on Roberto S. Oca Street, left on Delgado, left on Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or right on A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right on P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Avenue,” the MMDA said.

For vehicles coming from the south part of Manila headed for P. Burgos, they can pass through T.M. Kalaw, turn left on Taft Avenue, right on Ayala toward Ayala Bridge. –Maricar Brizuela