The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has officially announced a series of temporary road closures and traffic rerouting schemes in preparation for the upcoming Sinulog 2026 Novena Masses. The measures are designed to ensure the safety and smooth flow of devotees, pedestrians, and motorists during the nine-day religious observance at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Road Closures and Traffic Rerouting Details
According to the advisory, the traffic modifications will be in effect from January 8 until January 18, 2026. Several roads surrounding the Basilica and adjacent areas will be temporarily closed to all vehicles. Motorists are advised to strictly follow traffic signs and heed instructions from traffic personnel on the ground.
The CCTO has released a list of specific streets that will be inaccessible during this period. These include:
- Osmeña Boulevard (from the corner of Lapu-Lapu Street to Plaridel Extension)
- D. Jakosalem Street (from M.C. Briones Street to Legaspi Street)
- P. Burgos Street (from Legaspi Street to M.C. Briones Street)
- P. Zamora Street (from Legaspi Street to Osmeña Boulevard)
- Magallanes Street (from Plaridel Street to D. Jakosalem Street)
- F. Gonzales Street (from Osmeña Boulevard to Lincoln Street)
- Magallanes Extension (from Lapu-Lapu Street to P. Burgos Street)
One-Way Traffic Schemes Implemented
In addition to the full road closures, the CCTO will enforce temporary one-way traffic flow on several other key streets to manage congestion. This is a critical part of the Sinulog 2026 traffic management plan.
The following one-way schemes will be active:
- M.C. Briones Street: One-way traffic from F. Gonzales Street going to Lapu-Lapu Street.
- M.L. Quezon Boulevard: One-way traffic from M.J. Cuenco Avenue going to F. Calderon Street.
- P. Burgos Street: One-way traffic going to M.L. Quezon Boulevard.
- D. Jakosalem Extension: One-way traffic going to M.C. Briones Street.
Public Advisory and Alternative Routes
The CCTO strongly encourages the public, especially daily commuters, to plan ahead. Authorities are asking motorists to leave earlier for their trips to account for potential delays caused by the rerouting.
More importantly, the public is urged to use alternative routes to help decongest the areas around the Basilica. By avoiding the specified zones, motorists can contribute to a more efficient traffic system for everyone, including the thousands of expected devotees attending the daily novena masses.
The annual Sinulog festival is one of the country's largest and most celebrated events, drawing massive crowds to Cebu City. These proactive Cebu City traffic measures by the CCTO aim to balance religious tradition with public order and safety on the roads.
