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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 378-03
December 30, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY ANNOUNCE CITY'S PLANS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION IN TIMES SQUARE

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly today outlined the City's plans to host the annual New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square. The Mayor announced the street closings in the Times Square area and gave important tips for attending the festivities, which will culminate with the lowering of the New Year's Eve Ball at the stroke of midnight. The Mayor invited people to join the celebration and urged them to celebrate New Year's Eve safely and responsibly.

"On New Year's Eve, the eyes of the world are focused on New York City when the ball drops in Times Square," Mayor Bloomberg said. "The NYPD is world-renowned for providing security at large events and those attending the celebration at Times Square can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy a safe, one-of-a-kind experience on one of the most magical nights that our New York has to offer.  Also, everyone should be aware of the traffic restrictions, use public transportation, dress warmly and celebrate responsibly.  I would like to wish every New Yorker a happy and healthy 2004."

By approximately 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, Times Square will be closed to vehicle traffic. Attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in separate viewing sections. As one section fills up, people will be directed to the next viewing section. As the evening progresses, revelers continue to fill Times Square along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to as far as Central Park.  People will not be permitted to return to their area if they leave.

In addition:

  • Backpacks and bags are subject to search;
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the area;
  • People should not abandon property at police checkpoints;
  • There will be access to all stores, theatres and restaurants but people should note the following traffic restrictions:

    No parking in the following areas from 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 31, until 1:00 a.m. on January 1:

  • All cross-town streets from 34th to 57th Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenue;
  • West side of Sixth Avenue, from 34th to 59th Street;
  • East side of Eighth Avenue from 34th to 57th Street;
  • 48th Street between Fifth and Ninth Avenues.

At approximately 4:00 p.m. the following streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic:

  • Seventh Avenue, from 42nd to 59th Street;
  • Broadway, from 42nd to 59th Street;
  • 43rd to 47th Streets, from Sixth to Eighth Avenue.

After 5:00 p.m. the remainder of the traffic closures will be instituted as crowd conditions warrant:

  • All cross-town streets from 37th to 42nd Street - Sixth to Eighth Avenues;
  • All cross-town streets from 49th to 59th Street - Sixth to Eighth Avenues;
  • 48th Street, from Fifth to Ninth Avenues;
  • Cross-town access for emergency vehicles will be available on 57th and 59th Streets.

People are advised to use public transportation. In the event that they must bring a vehicle into Manhattan, on street parking will be extremely limited in the Midtown area. People should avoid all cross-town streets from 34th to 59th Streets, as well as Sixth and Eighth Avenues. Suggested alternatives for cross-town traffic include 23rd Street and the Central Park Transverse Roads at 65th and 66th Streets.

General information is available by calling (212) 768-1560 or by visiting the Times Square Visitors Center located on Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets, which is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler/Robert Lawson   (212) 788-2958



GENERAL CONTACT:

Michael O’Looney   (NYPD)
(646) 610-6700


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