July 4th fireworks: Road closures, where to watch, and more

Countdown to 4th of July fireworks

We are just a few hours away from the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks, and it looks like the weather is going to help out and make the viewing experience great for New Yorkers.

NEW YORK CITY - Looking to head to New York City on July 4th? Here's what streets will be closed during the Macy's Annual Fireworks Display over the East River.

Macy's Annual Fireworks event details:

This is the first year Macy's will incorporate drones into the show. The fireworks will begin at about 9:20 p.m. and end at 9:50 p.m.

Spectators should not pack:

Large backpacks
Large coolers
Lawn chairs
Lawn blankets

Umbrellas or alcoholic beverages will be allowed in large areas. All restricted items are subject to search and seizure.

NYPD: Expect July 4 parking restrictions

The NYPD is warning drivers that it will not be business as usual on July 4, with countless street closures and detours making parking in the city even more difficult than usual.

Drivers are advised to use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Manhattan:

FDR Drive between Brooklyn Bridge and East 63rd Street
Avenue C between East 16th Street and East 20th Street
East 20th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 23rd Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 26th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 30th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
30th Street Entrance Ramps
East 33rd Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue
East 34th Street between 2nd Avenue and FDR Drive
34th Street Entrance Ramps
East 37th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 41st Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 42nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
42nd Street Entrance Ramps
East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 53rd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive

(Courtesy of NYPD)

East River bridges advisory:

Brooklyn Bridge - At approximately 7 pm., No pedestrian or bicycle traffic
Manhattan Bridge - At approximately 7 pm., No pedestrian or bicycle traffic
Williamsburg Bridge - At approximately 7 pm., No pedestrian or bicycle traffic
Edward I. Koch Bridge - At approximately 7 pm. No vehicle, pedestrian or bicycle traffic

Public viewing:

The public viewing sections in Manhattan will be the elevated portions of the FDR drive with the following entry points:

FYI: Access blocks will close as viewing areas fill up and spectators will be redirected to additional open access blocks as appropriate.

Midtown:

1st Ave. and 20th Street
1st Ave. and 34th Street (Designated ADA access at this location)
1st Ave. and 42nd Street

Brooklyn:

Transmitter Park - Access point on Greenpoint Avenue to Dead End
Newton Barge Playground – Access point at 3 Commercial Street
Marsha P. Johnson State Park (East River State Park) – Access point at Kent Avenue and North 11th Street

FYI: This year due to barge placement Brooklyn Bridge Park is not a viewing point.

Queens:

Area bounded by 44th Drive on the North Borden Avenue on the South Vernon
Boulevard on the East; East River on the West (All Inclusive)
Center Boulevard between Borden Avenue and 54th Avenue
2nd Street between Borden Avenue and Newtown Creek /Dead End
Vernon Boulevard between 54th Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
54th Avenue between Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard