Authorities in Manila are preparing for heavy crowds and traffic disruptions as the annual Traslacion draws near.
The Manila Police District announced a wide range of road closures and vehicle rerouting measures ahead of the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno on Friday, January 9, 2026.
According to a report by GMA Integrated News, road closures will begin as early as 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, to allow security teams and religious organizers to prepare for the procession.
Roads to Be Closed Starting January 8
The Manila Police said the following roads will be fully closed to traffic, both northbound and southbound, during the preparation period:
- Bonifacio Drive
- Katigbak Drive and South Drive, with one lane accessible only to Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel
- Independence Road
- P. Burgos Avenue
- Finance Road
- Maria Orosa Street
- Taft Avenue
- Romualdez Street
- Ayala Boulevard
- C. Palanca Street
- P. Casal Street
- Legarda Street
- Quezon Boulevard
- Lerma Street westbound
- McArthur Bridge
- Jones Bridge
These closures cover key routes around Quiapo, Intramuros, and major access points connecting northern and southern Manila.
Southbound Traffic Rerouting
Motorists traveling southbound are advised to follow designated alternate routes.
Vehicles from Mel Lopez Boulevard heading to Roxas Boulevard will be redirected through Capulong Street, Yuseco Street, and Lacson Avenue.
Those coming from Arlegui or Avenida areas toward Quezon Boulevard will be rerouted through Fugoso Street and Rizal Avenue.
Vehicles intending to cross McArthur Bridge from Rizal Avenue will instead pass through C.M. Recto Avenue and Legarda Street.
For access to Intramuros, southbound vehicles from Abad Santos Avenue and Recto area will be redirected through San Fernando Street, Madrid Street, and Muelle de la Industria before crossing the Binondo Intramuros Bridge.
Light vehicles from Bonifacio Drive will pass through Anda Circle toward Soriano Avenue.
Northbound Traffic Rerouting
Northbound motorists will also face several changes.
Vehicles from Mabini and Maria Orosa streets heading to Kalaw Avenue will be redirected through United Nations Avenue and P. Guanzon Street toward Mabini Bridge.
Vehicles traveling northbound along Taft Avenue toward P. Burgos Avenue will follow the same route.
Trucks and trailers using Osmeña Highway or Roxas Boulevard en route to the Pier Area will be diverted to President Quirino Avenue and Mabini Bridge.
Light vehicles from Roxas Boulevard heading north will also pass through UN Avenue and Mabini Bridge.
Heightened Security for Traslacion 2026
The Philippine National Police earlier confirmed that around 15,000 police officers will be deployed for the event.
Personnel will manage crowd control, road safety, emergency response, and security along the procession route.
Authorities are urging motorists to plan trips ahead, follow traffic advisories, and consider avoiding affected areas during the event.
Commuters and devotees are also encouraged to coordinate with local advisories for real time updates as Traslacion 2026 approaches.