Motorists and commuters will have to find alternate routes or avoid several roads in Manila as authorities implement closures starting September 21 for the commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

The road closures will begin at 12:01 AM on September 21, 2026, and will remain in effect until lifted by authorities. Affected areas include Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Ayala Bridge.

At the Chino Roces Bridge-Mendiola area, the stretch of C.M. Recto Avenue from N. Reyes to Mendiola will be closed, along with Legarda from Figueras Street to San Rafael Street.

Vehicles coming from Quezon Boulevard and C.M. Recto Avenue that normally use Mendiola Street will have to turn left onto N. Reyes Street. Those coming from Sta. Mesa via Legarda Street and heading toward C.M. Recto Avenue will turn right onto Figueras Street, continue to Earnshaw Street, and proceed to their destination.

Motorists coming from P. Casal Street and heading toward Mendiola will have to turn left onto San Rafael Street, continue to Bilibid Viejo Street, and proceed toward Quezon Boulevard.

At Liwasang Bonifacio, Magallanes Drive between Jones Bridge and McArthur Bridge will be closed. Vehicles coming from the northbound lane of Padre Burgos Avenue and heading toward Magallanes Drive will continue straight to Jones Bridge, while those coming from McArthur Bridge will continue to the southbound lane of Padre Burgos Avenue.

The Ayala Bridge will also be closed, along with the eastbound lane of Ayala Boulevard from San Marcelino Street to Romualdez Street.

Vehicles coming from Romualdez Street and heading toward Ayala Bridge can turn left onto Ayala Boulevard and right onto Taft Avenue. Another option is to continue straight to N. Lopez, turn right onto A. Villegas, then left onto C. Muñoz.

Those coming from San Marcelino Street can turn right onto Ayala Boulevard and then right onto Taft Avenue. They can also continue along San Marcelino Street and turn left onto United Nations Avenue.

Vehicles traveling eastbound on Ayala Boulevard and intending to use the bridge will have to turn right onto San Marcelino Street. Motorists coming from C. Palanca Street and heading toward Ayala Bridge will turn left onto P. Casal Street, while those coming from P. Casal and heading toward the bridge will turn right onto C. Palanca Street.

Motorists and commuters traveling through central Manila on September 21, 2026, are advised to plan their routes ahead of time, particularly those passing through Mendiola, Liwasang Bonifacio, and Ayala Bridge.