Road closures, rerouting implemented for Black Nazarene Feast 2021

Several roads will be closed down while rerouting schemes will be in place starting Friday evening in preparation for the Feast of the Black Nazarene this Saturday, January 9.

According to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the following roads will be closed by 10 p.m. on Friday, January 8:

• Southbound lane of Quezon Blvd. (Quiapo). from A. Mendoza/ Fugoso St. to Carlos Palanca St.
• Northbound lane of Quezon Blvd from Carlos Palanca St. to Fugoso St.
• Westbound lane of España Boulevard from P. Campa to A Mendoza St.
• Stretch of Evangelista St. from P. Paterno St. to Recto Ave.
• Stretch of Palanca St. from Carriedo/Plaza Lacson to P. Casal St.

Meanwhile, a rerouting scheme will be implemented starting Friday in the following areas:

• All vehicles intended to utilize Quezon Blvd. coming from A. Mendoza St. shall turn right to Fugoso St. left Rizal Avenue to point of destination
• Vehicles coming from Quezon City utilizing southbound lane of España Ave shall turn left to Nicanor Reyes St. turn right to CM Recto Ave. turn right to P Campa St., then turn left to A. Mendoza St., right to Fugoso St. to point of destination
• Vehicles coming from McArthur Bridge intending to utilize Palanca St shall go straight to Rizal Ave to point of destination.
• Vehicles coming from Ayala Bridge intending to utilize Palanca St. shall go straight to P. Casal St. to point of destination
• Vehicles coming from Padre Burgos Avenue intending to utilize Quezon Bridge shall go straight to McArthur Bridge or Jones Bridge to point of destination

Parking areas

Motorists were advised to utilize the parking plan such as the Isetann Recto Pay Parking, Pay Parking Area beside Dating Daan Building, Quinta Public Market Pay Parking, one lane, Carlos Palanca (Eastbound), and the street from Palanca Bridge.

The NCRPO said road rerouting will also be conducted starting 12 a.m. on Saturday, January 9 for the following routes:

• Vehicles utilizing southbound lane of Rizal Ave. going to Ronquillo St. shall turn right to CM. Recto Ave., turn left to R Regente St. to J. Luna St. turn left to Plaza Cervantes to Jones Bridge or go straight to Muelle dela Industria to Escolta to point of destination
• Vehicles coming from McArthur Bridge intending to utilize Bustos St. shall go straight to Rizal Ave. to point of destination

Meanwhile, the stretch of Ronquillo Street from Rizal Avenue to Plaza Sta. Cruz and the stretch of Bustos Street from Plaza Sta Cruz to Rizal Avenue will be closed starting 12 a.m. on Saturday, January 9.

There will be 11 Masses for the Feast of the Black Nazarene that will be held at the Quiapo Church on Saturday, January 9.

"Ang Metro Manila ay nasa Ilalim pa rin ng General Community Quarantine at mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang Mass Gathering," it said in a statement.

The NCRPO also reminded the devotees from outside Metro Manila that they are required to present their travel authority at checkpoints.

Safety checks

“Pinapakiusapan po namin ang mga deboto na huwag pong makipagsabayan sa mismong araw ng kapistahan sa darating na Enero 9 upang maiwasan ang dagsa ng mga tao,” it said.

“Kung bibisita sa simbahan ng Quiapo, ugaliing magsuot ng facemask, face shield at sundin ang physical distancing,” it added.

The NCRPO also said that individuals below 15-years-old and over 65-years-old are prohibited. Those not wearing footwear are also prohibited from participating in the activities.

Items such as backpacks, sharp objects, non-transparent water bottles, expensive jewelry, drones, firecrackers, images of saints are also prohibited. --- BAP, GMA News