Manila roads closed for Chinese New Year countdown

MANILA, Philippines – Several roads in Manila will be closed to traffic tonight for the celebration of Chinese New Year, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday.

The celebration will be highlighted by a countdown and a fireworks display, which will be held at 11:20 p.m. at the New Gateway to Binondo Chinatown, said Estrada, who is also the city’s traffic czar.

He said that from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 8, the northbound lane of Jones Bridge from Escolta to P. Burgos streets and the intersection of Magallanes Drive Extension and Postal Road will be closed to traffic.

Estrada said all motorists coming from P. Burgos street intending to utilize the northbound lane of Jones Bridge going to Binondo should use McArthur Bridge to reach their destination.

All motorists coming from Muelle del Rio street via Postal Road intending to utilize Jones Bridge should turn left to Magallanes Drive Extension to reach their destination.

Estrada has designated the stretch of Escolta and Plaza Cervantes as parking space for the participants in the countdown and fireworks display.

The Chinese community, including employees and officials of the city government, will have a Chinese New Year solidarity parade, which will start at the Post Office and end at the Lucky Chinatown mall, at 1 p.m. on Monday.

“The traffic along intersections will be stopped and be opened immediately once the parade passes by,” Estrada said.

The participants of the Chinese New Year’s solidarity parade may park their vehicles at the stretch of Magallanes Drive in front of the National Press Club and the Bureau of Immigration building, the city government said.