Traffic re-routing for Quiapo fiesta

A major traffic re-routing scheme will be implemented tomorrow, the feast day of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, where thousands of devotees are expected to gather.

Elements of the Western Police District (WPD), including those from the Traffic Management Group (TMG) will start formation at the Plaza Miranda as early as 4 a.m., The traditional religious procession will start at 2 p.m.

WPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong ordered the deployment of a number of uniformed policemen in Quiapo area to ensure peace and order and safety of the devotees.

The deployment will take place along with a re-routing scheme affecting private and public utility vehicles.

A no-parking policy will be strictly implemented, particularly along the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard from Raon street to Palanca near Quiapo Church.

Authorities said the pass lane will be maintained for southbound private vehicles while devotees will be contained in the corridor intended for the procession.

"Devotees are prohibited from crossing and occupying the center island of Quezon Boulevard," the two-page traffic advisory noted.

All PUVs coming from España bound to Quiapo/Taft Avenue shall be diverted to Rizal Avenue via Cataluña and Fugoso streets to cross south lane of McArthur Bridge or others will be diverted to turn left to N. Reyes right on C.M. Recto and U-turn at Evangelista street.

All Quiapo Ilalim PUJs, if ever they are allowed to take the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard, will have to go straight and cross Quezon Bridge, load and unload in front of the Metropolitan Theater/Lawton and make a U-turn back to point of origin.

The Avenida Avenue rerouting scheme for PUJs shall be maintained.

All PUVs traveling westward along Legarda street bound for R. Hidalgo and C. Palanca streets shall make a U-turn upon reaching San Rafael/Legarda streets and back to point of origin or left to Nepomuceno street, left to Legarda street, back to the point of origin.

Traffic authorities said all PUVs from S.H. Loyola intending to go to Quiapo by way of Bilibid Viejo and R. Hidalgo streets shall turn left at C.M. Recto Avenue toward Legarda streets and back to point of origin.

All vehicles going to Caloocan City by way of McArthur Bridge shall go straight to Plaza Sta. Cruz (circling) right to Ronquillo street, left to F. Torres, right to C.M. Recto, left to Rizal Avenue to their point of destination.

Traffic authorities said Estero Cegado will be closed temporarily during the procession.

All vehicles coming from Divisoria bound to Paterno street, should go straight and make a U-turn at N. Reyes street, while all buses coming from the south should take the Jones fly-over right to Magallanes Drive and back. – With Nestor Etolle