Traffic rerouting in place for Makati New Year street party

The Makati City government has implemented a traffic rerouting scheme that will begin Thursday midnight, leading to its much-awaited New Year’s Eve countdown and street party along Ayala Avenue on Saturday.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay asked private and public motorists to stay away from the activity area, and instead use alternative routes designated by the city’s public safety department.

“Let us welcome the New Year safely together with our family, thankful for all the blessings we receive, and pray for peace, safety and prosperity for the entire country,” Binay said in a statement.

Makati residents, together with invited guests and visitors, are expected to party at the country’s  financial capital and watch the fireworks display to usher in the New Year.

The following roads  closed to traffic until noon of Jan. 1 are: The portion of Ayala Avenue from Paseo de Roxas to North Drive and from Fonda Street to Paseo de Roxas; and both lanes of Makati Avenue from Paseo de Roxas to Dela Rosa Street.

No buses shall be allowed to enter through Ayala Avenue from Edsa and Gil Puyat Avenue. Instead, the  buses are advised to turn at Gil Puyat Avenue from Edsa toward their destination, and vice versa.

Public utility vehicles (PUVs) heading to Ayala Avenue from J.P. Rizal Street can turn right to Makati Avenue, then take Paseo de Roxas to Ayala Avenue.

PUVs coming from Washington Street can take Gil Puyat Avenue, Ayala, then turn right to Salcedo Street and take the inner roads to their destination.

The early closure of the road will give organizers time to set up food booths along Ayala Avenue and prepare for other activities as well.

Musical performances from some of the country’s top bands, as well as magical acts, will take center stage during the city’s traditional New Year’s Countdown festivities, which were revived this year after a two-year hiatus.

The city government also touted a pyro-musical display as the highlight of the night.

In Las Piñas City, on the other hand,  Mayor Vergel Aguilar has   discouraged residents from using firecrackers and   burning tires to welcome the New Year.

In a statement, the official asked the police to monitor and accost persons who violate laws on dangerous firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the  hopes of minimizing the number of casualties in the revelry leading to the New Year.

Citing health experts, Aguilar said the smoke from firecrackers takes a toll on one’s lungs particularly on those  suffering from asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory ailments. Apart from these, it could also cause eye irritation, rhinitis, and headaches, among other illnesses, he added.