NYPD Outlines Comprehensive Security Plan and Traffic Advisory for the July Fourth Celebration
July 2, 2019
Annual Fireworks Display Returns to the Lower-East River. Millions of Spectators are Expected.
NYPD executives outlined today the department's comprehensive security and traffic plans as the City of New York prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July.
There is no specific, credible threat to public safety at this time. Thousands of uniform and plainclothes NYPD officers will be deployed to help ensure the safety of the millions of spectators who are expected to enjoy the annual Macy's fireworks show on Thursday, July 4th. Public viewing begins at 6 p.m., with optimal viewing along the lower-East River, south of the Brooklyn Bridge. The fireworks, some of which will be launched from the bridge itself, are scheduled to begin at about 9:20 p.m. and end at about 9:50 p.m. Large backpacks, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, large coolers, large bags, umbrellas or alcoholic beverages will not be allowed in the viewing area. All restricted items are subject to search and/or seizure.
"Thousands upon thousands of NYPD officers – many who you will see and many who you won't – are going to be out on the Fourth of July throughout the city and along the East River to ensure the safety of the millions of people who will be out celebrating and watching the nation's greatest fireworks display," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "The department is in close contact with its law enforcement partners and, as always, we remind the public that if they see anything suspicious, please tell a police officer, call 888-NYC-SAFE (888-692-7233) or dial 911, so we can fully investigate."
The security overlay includes NYPD personnel from the Intelligence Bureau and the Counterterrorism Bureau and includes officers from the Critical Response Command (CRC), the Strategic Response Group (SRG) and the Emergency Services Unit (ESU). Explosive detection K9's, radiation detectors and blocker vehicles are also among the resources being deployed.
Traffic Advisory
Street closures begin at 2 p.m. on July 4th.
Drivers are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m., July 5th.
Click here to view the full list of street closures for Thursday, July 4th.
Traffic Closures
FDR Highway in both directions from Battery Park Underpass to Houston Street from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
South Street in both directions from Montgomery to State Streets from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Front Street from Old Slip to Dover Street from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Eastbound Brooklyn Bridge traffic from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Westbound Brooklyn Bridge traffic from 2 p.m. until 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Pedestrian Walkway of the Manhattan Bridge from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Pedestrian Walkway of the Williamsburg Bridge from 7 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Viewing Areas
Beginning at 6 p.m. spectators may gain access to the public viewing sections on the elevated portions of the FDR drive. This location offers an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River from the access points listed below. Access points will be closed as viewing areas fill up. Spectators will then be redirected to open access points as appropriate:
- Montgomery & South Streets – from the North (viewing along the FDR between Manhattan Bridge and Montgomery Street)
- Brooklyn Bridge entry from St. James Pl. (Pearl St) & Wagner Pl. (viewing both north & South of the Brooklyn Bridge)
- Broad Street and/or Old Slip at Water Street (viewing between Heliport & south side of Brooklyn Bridge)
- Murray Bertraum HS track and Field facility – at the base of the Manhattan Bridge entrance at Market & Cherry Streets
ADA viewing will be available at the Murray Bergtraum High School Track and Field Facility at the base of the Manhattan Bridge entrance at Market and Cherry Streets. Please call Macy's ADA Viewing hotline at (212) 494-4495 for the most up-to-date information about special-needs viewing.
Spectators are reminded that dogs are not permitted in the spectator pens.
Flyovers
In addition to the fireworks, at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday evening, NYPD Aviation Unit helicopters will fly over the East River between the Verrazano Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge.
Media Parking
Beginning at 2 p.m., media parking for "Broadcast Vehicles Only" will be available in the northbound service lane (stripes) north of the exit 2 ramp on the FDR. Broadcast vehicles may queue on the West side of South Street between Whitehall & Broad Streets for security screening.
No broadcast vehicle may enter the media parking area until directed to do so by a DCPI representative.
