The NYPD and the Times Square Business Improvement District (TS-BID) have issued a routine weekend traffic alert which includes street closings planned due to Columbus Day activity on Oct. 9.

On Sun., Oct. 8, from 11 AM - 5 PM, the Desfile Hispanic Columbus Day Parade will force the closure of 44 St. - 47 St. between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue. The parade forms here. Also scheduled for closure is Fifth Avenue at W. 44 St., where the parade starts. The entire route for the parade, Fifth Avenue between W. 44 St. and E. 72 St. and on E. 72 St. between Fifth Avenue and Third Avenue where the parade ends.

On Mon., Oct. 9 from 10 AM - 6 PM, the Columbus Day Parade will force the closure of 44 St. - 47 St. between Sixth Avenue and Madison Avenue as well as Fifth Avenue between W. 42 St. and W. 46 St. where the parade forms. The route of the parade includes the start area at Fifth Avenue and W. 42 St.; then up Fifth Avenue between W. 42 St. and W. 59 St.; then W 59 St. between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West and then Central Park West between W. 59 St. and W. 63 St. The parade ends between W. 63 St. and W. 65 St. between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

In addition, on Sat., Oct. 7 and/or Sun., Oct. 8 from 8 AM - 6 PM, W. 48 St. between Broadway and Eighth Avenue will be closed during crane operations. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Theatre patrons may wish to adjust their plans accordingly. -- By Murdoch McBride