MANILA, Philippines — Several major roads in Manila will be closed starting 6 p.m. on July 25 in preparation for the United People's Initiative (UPI) rally scheduled on Sunday, July 26, authorities announced Friday.
Among the areas that will be affected are the Mendiola peace arch, Liwasang Bonifacio, Ayala Bridge, MacArthur Bridge and Quezon Bridge, where traffic restrictions and rerouting schemes will be implemented to ensure public safety and facilitate the movement of rallyists.
Under the traffic management plan, the stretch of C.M. Recto Avenue from Nicanor Reyes Street to Mendiola Street, as well as Legarda Street from Figueras Street to San Rafael Street, will be closed to traffic in the vicinity of Mendiola.
At Liwasang Bonifacio, Magallanes Drive from Jones Bridge to MacArthur Bridge will be temporarily closed.
Authorities will also shut down Ayala Bridge and the eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street.
Meanwhile, the southbound lane of MacArthur Bridge from Plaza Lacson to Liwasang Bonifacio, the southbound lane of Quezon Boulevard from A. Mendoza / Fugoso streets to Quezon Bridge, and the southbound lane of Lerma Street from España Boulevard / P. Campa Street to A. Mendoza Street will be closed.
Alternate routes
To minimize traffic congestion, rerouting measures will be enforced in affected areas.
Vehicles from Quezon Boulevard and C.M. Recto Avenue bound for Mendiola will be diverted through Nicanor Reyes Street, while motorists from Sta. Mesa via Legarda Street heading to Recto Avenuewill be rerouted through Figueras, Earnshaw and Sergio H. Loyola streets.
Motorists intending to cross MacArthur or Quezon bridges from Plaza Sta. Cruz, A. Mendoza Street and España Boulevard will be redirected through Dasmariñas Street, Juan Luna Street, Plaza Cervantes, Jones Bridge, Tomas Mapua Street or Nicanor Reyes Street, depending on their destination.
Traffic adjustments will also be implemented around Ayala Bridge, with motorists advised to use Taft Avenue, United Nations Avenue, Carlos Palanca Street, P. Casal Street and other designated alternate routes.
The city government urged motorists to plan their trips ahead of time and use alternative routes to avoid delays and traffic congestion ahead of the said rally.
