Rain unlikely to effect New Year's plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Even with Monday's rain, city officials said they plan to push ahead with the outdoor New year's Eve party.

Workers have been setting up for Monday night's Austin's New Year celebration at Auditorium Shores. This year's theme will be "Any one, Any dream, Anything's possible."

But it won't be possible to drive close to the event tomorrow night. The city will shut down roads to help with the final preparations. Starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 some downtown roads will be closed. Riverside Drive and the southbound side of the South First Street bridge will be closed.

And at 9 p.m. parts of Cesar Chavez will close and the remaining north side of the bridge.

There will be no parking at Auditorium shores. Public garages at City Hall, the Long Center and the One Texas Center will be available.

The party starts at 5 p.m. with everything from live music, food, film and art. The fireworks finale will begin at 10:15 p.m.

Because of the weather,  officials did say that some portions of the event might have to be altered or changed depending on the weather. They were encouraging everyone to still come out, but to dress appropriately for the conditions.

Capital Metro is e offering free rides starting at 6 p.m. through the night. Six different routes will get you Auditorium Shores for the Austin New Year celebration.

Plus night owls buses will be running to and from the entrainment district until 3 a.m.