Makati City announces traffic rerouting scheme for New Year countdown

MANILA, Philippines—The Makati City government has drawn up a traffic rerouting scheme, which will begin one stroke past midnight Wednesday leading to its much-awaited New Year’s Eve countdown and street party along Ayala Avenue on Saturday.

In a statement, Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay asked private and public motorists to avoid the activity area which will be closed to traffic, and instead use alternative routes designated by the city’s public safety department.

“We appeal for everyone’s cooperation to make this celebration another successful event. 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.

The traffic rerouting scheme was drawn up to ensure order around the countdown venue as Makati and Metro Manila residents, together with invited guests, are expected to party at the financial capital and watch the fireworks display to usher in the New Year, the mayor continued.

The following roads are closed to traffic until noon January 1, 2012: 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 Ayala Avenue from EDSA and Gil Puyat Avenue. Instead, public utility buses are advised to turn right at Gil Puyat Avenue from Edsa toward their destination, and vice versa.

For public utility jeepneys heading to Ayala Avenue from JP Rizal Street, they may turn right into Makati Avenue then take Paseo de Roxas to Ayala Avenue.

PUVs from Washington Street, on the other hand, may take Gil Puyat Avenue then Ayala and turn right to Salcedo Street and take the inner roads to their destination.

The early closure of the road allows organizers time to set up food booths along Ayala Avenue and other activities. At least six luxury hotels have agreed to cater food for the Media Noche (midnight meal) of national and city officials and their guests.

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

The night celebration will be highlighted by a pyro-musical display with the city government raffling off gadgets, such as Blackberry phones and iPad tablets and a grand cash prize of P1 million.