New traffic scheme reclaims Intramuros streets for tourists

Key streets in Intramuros, Manila, will either be closed to vehicles or limited to one-way traffic starting next month in a bid to make the historic enclave more tourist-friendly.

“Starting March 2, we will be piloting a new traffic scheme for Intramuros that aims to reclaim our historic streets for pedestrian use,” the Intramuros Administration (IA) said in a statement.

The IA, an agency under the Department of Tourism tasked with restoring, developing and promoting Intramuros as well as overseeing concerns such as traffic management, construction of new buildings and managing properties, said the new traffic regulations will include prohibitions on parking along certain roads.

“The historic streets of Intramuros are for the people, not for parking spaces. We want to give our streets back to the people,” IA stressed.

Only southbound vehicles will be allowed to pass through General Luna Street, from Muralla Street to Andres Soriano Avenue. Historic landmarks and institutions along General Luna include the San Agustin Church, the Casa Manila Complex, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, National Commission on Culture and the Arts, and the Knights of Columbus.

The stretch of Arzobispo Street from Anda to Postigo will be open only for vehicles going north. The San Ignacio Church ruins and the head office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila are among the landmarks in the area.

The IA is closing to vehicular traffic the stretch of Sto. Tomas Street in front Manila Cathedral and Plaza Santo Tomas.

Vehicles along Andres Soriano Avenue coming from Anda Circle may no longer proceed to Muralla Street, but will be directed to go straight to Magallanes Drive. Barriers will be placed across Muralla Street in front of the Bank of the Philippine Islands to prevent vehicles using Andres Soriano from entering the street.

Parking will no longer be allowed around Plaza Roma, along Andres Soriano Avenue and Cabildo and Gen. Luna Streets, and along Muralla Street beside PLM, the agency added. Nathaniel Melican