NEW YORK (WCBS 880)  -- The New York City Police Department today announced the following street closures and related information concerning the Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 22. Because heavy traffic is expected in the area all week, mass transit is strongly recommended.

Wednesday, November 21 is a Gridlock Alert Day. (Click here for complete list of Gridlock Alert Days.)

 ** Remember to tune in to WCBS 880 on air and online for the Thanksgiving coverage and traffic in the tri-state area**

BALLOON INFLATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 81st Street and 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic. The balloon inflation can be viewed by pedestrians from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. on 81st Street and 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue. After 10 p.m., 81st Street and 77th Street from Central Park West to Columbus Avenue as well as Central Park West from 59th Street to 86th Street will be closed to all traffic.

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Formation for the parade will begin at 8 a.m. at the following locations:

·       West 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

·       West 81st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

·       Central Park West between West 77th and 86th Streets

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. from Central Park West and 77th Street and proceed on the following route:

·       South on Central Park West to Columbus Circle

·       Through Columbus Circle to Broadway

·       South on Broadway to 34th Street

·       West on 34th Street to Seventh Avenue (dispersal area)

Additional closures are as follows:

·       Broadway between 34th Street and 38th Street - Midnight to 1 p.m.

·       7th Avenue from West 34th Street to West 40th Street - 2 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

·       34th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue - 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

·       35th Street between 5th Avenue and 8th Avenue - 2 a.m. to 4 p.m.

·       36th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue - 2 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       37th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue - 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       38th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue - 4 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       8th Avenue between 34th Street and 40th Street - 4 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

·       Broadway between 38th Street and 59th Street - 4 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

·       33rd Street between 7th Avenue and 10th Avenue - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       39th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       40th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

·       Central Park 65th Street/66th Street Transverse Roads - 8 a.m. until conclusion