Multiple police departments teaming up on ‘First Night’ to maintain safety during celebration in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — The new year is just days away, and that means the streets of Downtown Pittsburgh will once again be packed to welcome in a new decade.

As we prepare for 2020, police want to make sure “First Night 2020” starts off without a hitch or safety issues.

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Pittsburgh Police are teaming up with state police, Park Rangers, Port Authority Police, Allegheny County Police and the sheriff’s office to make sure everyone stays safe.

“First Night is a special night in Pittsburgh. We’re going to keep it that way. Anyone interested in engaging in illegal activities is advised to just stay home,” police said in a release.

For those heading downtown, public safety crews are reminding people that it’s illegal to set off fireworks within 150 feet of a structure -- and celebratory fire can quickly become deadly.

Police will be using shot spotters and said they will arrest anyone who fires a gun.

Here’s a list of the roads that will be closed:

• Stanwix Street between Liberty Avenue & Stanwix Street garage entrance
• Penn Avenue, Penn Avenue Extension to 6th Street
• Penn Avenue from 6th Street to Courtyard Marriott Hotel Valet
• McCrea Place between 6th Street & Barkers Place
• Barkers Place between Fort Duquesne Blvd. and Penn Avenue
• Scott Place between Fort Duquesne Blvd. and Penn Avenue
• 5th Avenue Extension between garage entrance & Penn Avenue
• Cecil Place between Fort Duquesne Blvd. & Penn Aveunue
• 7th Street between Liberty Avenue & Theater Square Garage entrance
• 9th Street between Liberty Avenue & French Street
• Exchange Way between Garrison Place and 9th Street
• Garrison Place between French Street & Exchange Way

Thousands ring in new year at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh!; Cleanup underway Thousands ring in new year at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh!; Cleanup underway 

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