Traffic rerouted for Black Nazarene feast

Anticipating heavy traffic and a mammoth crowd of devotees, the Manila Police District (MPD) has come up with a traffic rerouting scheme for the annual procession of the Black Nazarene, one of the highlights of the Quiapo fiesta celebration tomorrow.

"The traffic plan will be implemented on Monday morning as we anticipate the arrival of thousands of devotees to participate in the annual procession of the venerated image of the Black Nazarene," MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said.

The Traffic Enforcement Group and all police units were instructed to conduct clearing operations along the route of the procession, he added.

Intelligence operatives and plainclothes policemen shall also be deployed in the fiesta area to monitor groups that intend to disrupt the Quiapo festivities.

In compliance with the directive of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza to implement measures to assure a peaceful and orderly procession, Bulaong advised motorists to take alternate routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

The southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 10 a.m.

All streets where the procession will pass through — Andalucia, Fugoso, Palanca, Estero Cegado, Isetann Service Road, Recto, Nepomuceno, Bilibid Viejo, P. Casal, Arlegui, Legarda, Barbosa, Hidalgo and San Sebastian, including España and Lerma from P. Campa to Quiapo — shall also be closed.

All motorists intending to take España to Quiapo are advised to take Nicanor Reyes (formerly Morayta) and left to Recto then to Legarda going to P. Casal, while all vehicles coming from Dimasalang and Blumentritt going to Quezon Boulevard shall use the underpass to Recto and right Oroquieta street.

Motorists coming from the southern part of Manila going to McArthur Bridge must take north Jones flyover right to the Post Office, or take Plaza Lacson to go to Plaza Sta. Cruz and left to F. Torres leading to Recto.

Vehicles going to Divisoria via the Quiapo route shall be diverted to the Recto U-turn slot upon reaching the closed Isetann Service Road leading to Nicanor Reyes street.

Vehicles coming from SH Loyola street to Quiapo can turn left to Recto and left to Legarda. All vehicles from Legarda that intend to pass P. Casal and Palanca streets can take Ayala Bridge in going to Taft Avenue leading to P. Burgos and Quezon Bridge, while public utility vehicles using the San Juan via Quiapo route in going to Arlegui or Hidalgo streets must use Legarda or P. Casal as their turning point..

Motorists coming from south of Manila that intend to use Estero Cegado and Ronquillo streets up to Evangelista can take Plaza Sta. Cruz and left to F. Torres street.