SINGAPORE : Singaporeans can expect to face multiple road closures and heightened security around the Marina Bay area, where the National Day Parade will be held this Saturday.

Some of the roads affected will include Raffles Avenue, Republic Boulevard and Raffles Link.

Throngs of spectators will descend on Marina Bay to celebrate Singapore's 43rd birthday. But they will have to go through strict security checks before they get onto the parade grounds.

Bags will be checked and bodies will be scanned. So the police are reminding spectators to travel light with small bags to speed up security checks.

Parade ticket holders are also not allowed to bring items like canned products, night sticks and toy guns which resemble an actual weapon.

The police also advised motorists not to stop along the East Coast Park Expressway on the Benjamin Sheares Bridge during the fireworks display. That could cause congestion as well as accidents.

The police will also put up advisory signs on lamp posts and electronic Variable Message Signs at strategic locations to help motorists plan their journey.

While it is impossible to avoid the crowds after the parade, there will be clearly marked routes out of the Marina Bay area. Marshals will also be on hand to manage traffic flow.

The public is advised to avoid City Hall MRT station and head to Raffles Place MRT station instead. - CNA/ms