Traffic rerouted along Roxas Boulevard for New Year

By Tina Santos
Inquirer
Last updated 03:38am (Mla time) 12/30/2006

THE Manila government advised motorists on Friday that traffic along Roxas Boulevard would be rerouted for the New Year revelry at Baywalk.

The northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard, from Quirino Avenue to Pedro Gil, will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6 a.m. Saturday.

The southbound lane, from Pedro Gil to Quirino Avenue will be closed to traffic at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.

Both lanes will be reopened at 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, city officials have announced as they invite the public to come and greet the New Year at the Rajah Sulayman Park across Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard where a grand fireworks display awaits them.

The 10-minute fireworks display will be the biggest and grandest as it will be fired simultaneously from three barges on Manila Bay, according to Mayor Lito Atienza.

"We are inviting everyone to bring their families and loved ones and join us in the festivities as we greet 2007 with a big bang at the Rajah Sulayman Park." Atienza said. "This is cheaper and safer way to celebrate the occasion."

He also urged residents to refrain from exploding firecrackers to prevent accidents and injuries, suggesting instead that they just bang pots and pans and use horns to create noise as they welcome the New Year.

Prior to the fireworks display, the Baywalk area would host variety shows and street party featuring famous celebrities, he added.