First Night Austin brings extra activity, street closures into downtown on New Year’s Eve day

For immediate release
Dec. 30, 2008

Set up begins at noon on New Year’s Eve for the First Night Austin celebration in downtown. First Night Austin is a family-friendly and free event. Last year’s First Night Austin celebration attracted nearly 100,000 visitors to downtown, and this year’s event is expected to attract a similar number of celebrants.

Road closures on certain downtown streets begin at noon on Wednesday, December 31 and continue through 1 a.m. on Thursday, January 1. Motorists should expect traffic delays and road closures over the course of the events. Downtown visitors are encouraged to utilize public transportation or carpool.

Noon Dec. 31, 2008, until 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009

• Cesar Chavez Street from Colorado to San Antonio streets.
• Lavaca and Guadalupe streets from Cesar Chavez to Second streets.
• The First Street Bridge from Riverside Drive to Cesar Chavez Street.

5 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008 until 8:30 p.m.

• Congress Avenue from 8th to Cesar Chavez streets.
• The southbound lanes of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge will be closed
• Congress Avenue from Seventh to Cesar Chavez streets.
• The northbound right turn lane on the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge will remain open during this time.
• Motorists are encouraged to use Lamar Boulevard or the Interstate 35 frontage road to travel northbound across Lady Bird Lake.

10:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 2008, until 1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009

• Cesar Chavez Street from Colorado Street to Sandra Muraida Boulevard.
• Drivers will be able to access Lamar Boulevard from Cesar Chavez Avenue for north and south bound travel.

1 a.m. Jan. 1, 2009

Contact:
Public Information Office, (512) 974-2220