Road Closures in Metro Manila for the 2024 Bar Exams: What Travellers Need to Know

If you're planning to navigate Metro Manila on September 8, 11, or 15, you might want to reconsider your routes. The 2024 Bar Exams, which will see over 12,000 aspiring lawyers taking their tests, are set to cause significant traffic disruptions across key areas of the city. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor exploring the capital, it's important to stay informed about the road closures and prepare for potential delays.

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Updates on the road closures for 2024 bar exams

The Bar Exams will be held at six major testing centres in Metro Manila:

• University of the Philippines - Diliman

• University of Santo Tomas

• San Beda University

• Manila Adventist College

• University of the Philippines - Bonifacio Global City

• San Beda College - Alabang

These locations are spread across the city, meaning traffic disruptions will not be confined to one area. If you have plans to travel near these institutions, especially during the morning and late afternoon, expect heavy congestion and potential detours.

So far, the City of Manila has issued specific road closure advisories:

• September 8 and 11: Dapitan Street will be closed to traffic from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street from 2am to 7pm. To alleviate the expected traffic buildup, two westbound lanes along España Boulevard, from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street, will have traffic assistance in place. These lanes will be open for pick-up and drop-off only, from 2am to 8am and 3pm to 7pm.

• September 15: On the final exam day, all westbound lanes of España Boulevard from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street will be closed from 3pm to 7pm. Similarly, Dapitan Street will again be closed from Lacson Avenue to Padre Noval Street from 2am to 7pm. Traffic assistance along España Boulevard will continue, with managed lanes available from 2am to 8am.

Travel tips for avoiding traffic jams

For those travelling within Metro Manila during these dates, it's advisable to plan your routes carefully. Consider using navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates and suggest alternative routes. If possible, avoid the affected areas entirely, especially during the specified closure times.

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If you're a tourist visiting the city, these closures might provide an opportunity to explore less congested areas of Metro Manila or plan activities that don’t require much travel. Consider visiting nearby attractions that are easily accessible by foot or public transport, away from the hustle of the Bar Exam locations. In any case, patience and a good travel plan will be your best allies in avoiding the stress of Metro Manila traffic during the Bar Exam days.

Featured image credit: Nikada via Canva Pro