Makati to close 2 major routes for New Year celebration

 

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. advised private motorists and public transport vehicles to avoid the activity area and take the alternate routes.

 

A news release posted on the city's web portal indicated portions of roads will be closed to traffic starting midnight of Dec. 29 to Jan. 1:

 

- Ayala Avenue, from Paseo de Roxas to North Drive and from Fonda Street to Paseo de Roxas;

- Makati Avenue both lanes from Paseo de Roxas up to Dela Rosa Street.

 

"The traffic rerouting will be put in place to ensure order within the vicinity of the countdown venue, as Makati and Metro Manila residents, together with invited VIP guests are expected to join in the street party and watch the magnificent fireworks display to welcome the New Year," it said.

 

While the rerouting is in effect, no buses shall be allowed to enter through Ayala Avenue from EDSA and Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue.

 

Passenger buses (PUBs) coming from north of EDSA shall turn right to Gil Puyat Avenue towards their destination, while those coming from SLEX or Pasay must take Gil Puyat Avenue straight ahead and left to EDSA to their destination.

 

Jeepneys coming from J.P. Rizal to Ayala must turn right to Makati Avenue, right to Paseo de Roxas and turn right again to Ayala Avenue going to their destination.

 

Those from Washington Street, must turn right to Gil Puyat, right to Ayala Avenue, turn right upon reaching Salcedo St., left to Benavidez St., toward Esperanza, then right to Makati Avenue, right to Arnaiz Ave. (Pasay Road), right turn to Paseo de Roxas, left turn to De la Rosa St., right to Salcedo St., and finally left to Ayala Avenue to their destination. The Makati Department of Public Safety (MAPSA) provided a map showing the closed roads.

 

Meanwhile, food booths will also be installed along the stretch of Ayala Avenue together with ground activities.

 

At least six luxury hotels will cater Media Noche foods for national and city officials and their guests.

 

This year’s celebration has for its theme ‘Magical, Musical Makati 2012’ that promises a spectacular event with non-stop concert featuring famous bands, magical show, a pyro-musical display, and a chance for a lucky reveler to be a New Year Millionaire.

 

Prizes to be raffled off include BlackBerry smartphones and iPad tablet computers. — LBG/KG, GMA News