A total of 111 roads across Beijing's eight districts will be closed on Chinese New Year's Eve so that citizens can set off fireworks, bjd.com.cn reported on Friday.

The report said the roads will be closed for 30 minutes starting from 11:45 PM Saturday night. Motor vehicles will be barred from the restricted areas temporarily, with only pedestrians and bicycles allowed through. Because the 111 roads are not main routes to Beijing, normal traffic will not be affected.

An official with the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, Li Guorui, said more than 1,000 police officers will patrol the areas to ensure safety and order. Meanwhile, 216 signs will be set up near the roads beforehand to signal to people to take detours.

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has posted information on its website related to the temporary close for the public.

(CRI February 17, 2007)