JOHOR BARU: Several major roads in the city will be closed in stages for three days beginning Saturday for the state-level Merdeka Day 2015 full dress rehearsal and celebration at Dataran Bandaraya.
Johor Baru Selatan district police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulaiman Salleh said the roads would be closed from 6.30am.
The affected roads include Jalan Skudai heading to the city centre, the intersection at Jalan Thompson, Jalan Sungai Chat from Thistle hotel traffic lights, Jalan Lingkaran Dalam to Jalan Sungai Chat, and along Jalan Tun Sri Lanang/ Jalan Air Molek (Lot 1) traffic lights intersection.
Sulaiman said motorists are advised to use alternatives routes to get into the city centre such as Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Lingkaran Dalam.
"Parking for parade participants are at the roadside along Jalan Skudai from Pantai Lido to Danga Bay, along Jalan Sungai Chat towards Jalan Mawar and around the Pusat Islam and Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar parking areas.
Sulaiman said the temporary road closures will last until the celebration programmes end. The road would be re-opened in stage beginning 11.30am in those three days.
He added around 112 contingents from various government and non-governmental agencies as well as students from various schools will be involved in the parade which is slated to begin at 7am on Aug 31.
Sulaiman said more than 6,000 parade participants will convene at the Dataran Bandaraya for the celebration.
"There will be 209 police personnel on the ground during the Merdeka Day rehearsal and celebration including traffic police to ensure the event goes smoothly," he said.
There will also be a motorcade show during the parade and fireworks display right after the Merdeka Day countdown.
This year, Johor Baru has been chosen to host the state level celebration. The main venue will be at Dataran Bandaraya.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin will be among the state's leaders who will join the thousands of people at the celebration.