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 Monday, March 17, 2008.

The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and will begin at 44^th Street and proceed north on Fifth Avenue to 86^th 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 :  44^th to 46^th Streets from Vanderbilt Avenue to Avenue of the Americas

                              47^th to 48^th Streets from Park Avenue to Avenue of the Americas

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

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