Heavy traffic in Quiapo as Quezon Bridge closes for Pasig River Esplanade inauguration
File Photo (Courtesy of Diann Calucin/MANILA BULLETIN)
Heavy traffic was reported in and around Quiapo on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 19, following the temporary closure of Quezon Bridge at 4 p.m. to make way for the inauguration of the Pasig River Esplanade.
The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) advised motorists to take alternate routes while the event was underway.
The bridge, which serves as a key link between the districts of Quiapo and Ermita, is a major thoroughfare for both private and public transportation.
The sudden disruption led to bottlenecks along Quezon Boulevard and surrounding streets, as vehicles were diverted to alternative crossings, including Jones Bridge and MacArthur Bridge.
Commuters experienced delays, with jeepneys, buses, and private vehicles caught in gridlock in central Manila’s already congested road network.
Despite the traffic, city officials said the closure was necessary to ensure the safe and orderly launch of the Pasig River Esplanade, a flagship urban development project aimed at transforming the riverfront into a 25-kilometer pedestrian-friendly green space.
The project, which spans multiple cities along the river, is part of a broader initiative to rehabilitate the Pasig River and promote sustainable mobility.
Authorities assured the public that normal traffic flow would resume after the inauguration.
Motorists were urged to remain patient and plan their routes accordingly while event-related road closures remained in effect.