Manila announces road closures for 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations

The City of Manila has announced a series of road closures and traffic rerouting measures for the 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations, particularly in the Binondo and Intramuros areas, where large crowds are expected.

Closures began as early as 3:00 AM on Monday, February 16, as the Binondo–Intramuros Bridge has been shut to traffic. By 7:00 PM, the southbound lane of Jones Bridge will be closed, followed by its northbound lane at 9:00 PM.

Starting 10:00 PM, additional roads will be closed, including the U-turn slot at Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz from Juan Luna Street to Quintin Paredes Street, Ongpin Street from Juan Luna to Quintin Paredes, and Quintin Paredes Street from Dasmariñas to Escolta. Authorities will also close Jones Bridge in both directions, Juan Luna Street from Dasmariñas to Muelle de la Industria, the Binondo–Intramuros Bridge, and Plaza Cervantes.

Alternate roads

To ease congestion, authorities have laid out alternative routes for affected motorists. Vehicles from Juan Luna Street intending to access Jones Bridge southbound will be redirected through Dasmariñas Street, Muelle de Binondo, Muelle de la Industria, and Muelle Banco Nacional toward Plaza Sta. Cruz. Motorists traveling northbound along Padre Burgos Avenue who plan to use Jones Bridge are advised to proceed instead to MacArthur Bridge or Quezon Bridge.

Those coming from Riverside Drive and bound for the Binondo–Intramuros Bridge northbound should continue straight to A. Soriano Avenue and proceed to Anda Circle. Vehicles from Muelle de la Industria heading southbound toward the bridge will be rerouted via Muelle Banco Nacional to Plaza Sta. Cruz. Meanwhile, motorists from San Fernando Street intending to pass through Plaza Cervantes to Jones Bridge southbound will also be redirected through Dasmariñas Street and the Muelle area toward Plaza Sta. Cruz.

On Tuesday, February 17, beginning at 3:00 PM, a designated parade route will be implemented from the Manila Central Post Office to Lucky Chinatown Mall. The parade will pass through Jones Bridge, Escolta Street, Plaza Sta. Cruz, Dasmariñas Street, Quintin Paredes Street, Ongpin Street, Sabino Padilla Street, Soler Street, and Reina Regente Street.

The Manila City government advises motorists to plan their trips and take alternative routes to minimize inconvenience during the Lunar New Year festivities.