New York City Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today announced the Police Department's plans for coverage of the St. Patrick's Day Parade which will take place on Thursday, March 17, 2005 at 11 a.m. The parade will begin at 44th Street and travel north up Fifth Avenue to 86th Street. Alcohol consumption during the parade is prohibited. Persons found with alcohol may be subject to summons and/or arrest. Police Officers will confiscate alcoholic beverages brought to the parade, as well as any of the following locations:

* Port Authority Bus Terminal
* Staten Island Ferry Terminals
* Grand Central Station
* Penn Station
* Central Park
* Any Public Street

The street closings and increased traffic resulting from the parade can cause traffic congestion. Attendees are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following areas from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

Street Closings

FORMATION AREA:
44th to 46th Streets from Vanderbilt Avenue to Avenue of the Americas
47th to 48th Streets from Park Avenue to Avenue of the Americas

ROUTE:
At 11 a.m., the parade will start NORTH on Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 86th Street.

The Central Park transverse roads will remain open to traffic. Pedestrian crossing along the parade route will be permitted on 49th Street to 55th Street, 57th Street and 58th Street, 59th Street east bound only and 60th Street west bound only.