Heavy traffic in Manila likely due to religious procession on May 4

Motorists were advised to prepare as they were warned against possible heavy traffic in several major roads in Manila on Friday, May 4, for the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the country.

In a traffic advisory issued on Thursday, the Manila Police District (MPD) Traffic Enforcement Unit advised motorists to take alternative routes as a procession is set to take place from 5:00 a.m. Friday.

The MPD said the religious image was expected to arrive before 11:00 a.m. at San Sebastian Church where it would be presented for public veneration for the whole day.

The route of the procession will be as follows:

• Quirino Grandstand (origin)
• right to Katigbak Drive
• straight to eastbound P. Burgos Street
• turn to Finance Road
• cross to Taft Avenue
• straight to Ayala Bridge
• left to C. Palanca (Quiapo ilalim)
• right to Villalobos to Quiapo Church
• left to P. Casal Street
• left to San Rafael Street
• San Sebastian Church (end destination)

Vehicles from north of Manila that intend to take the southbound lane of Roxas Boulevard were advised to turn to Anda Circle, then straight to A. Soriano, right to Magallanes Drive, right to Lagusnilad, straight to Taft Avenue, and then right to T.M. Kalaw Street.

Likewise, vehicles from south of Manila that wish to negotiate the northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard were told to turn right to T.M. Kalaw Street, and then turn left to Taft Avenue.

On the other hand, vehicles coming from Legarda Street and bound for Quiapo should turn right to C.M. Recto Avenue.

In addition, vehicles intending to traverse the northbound lane of Taft Avenue should instead take UN Avenue as an alternate route towards their respective destinations.

“All affected streets will be on stop and go traffic situation as the procession passes the intersections,” the MPD said.

“Actual closing and opening of affected roads will be based on actual traffic condition,” it added.  /kga