SEVERAL roads and lanes in the Marina Bay area will be closed for over 12 hours on Saturday for this year's National Parade rehearsals.

The National Day Parade 2009-Combined Rehearsal 1 will be held at the Floating Platform along Marina Bay off Raffles Avenue.

To facilitate the event, the following roads and lanes will be closed to all vehicles from 9am to 10.30pm that day:

Republic Boulevard, towards the direction of Raffles Avenue from the junction of Republic Avenue.

Temasek Avenue, between the junctions of Raffles Boulevard and Temasek Avenue.

The two extreme left lanes of Raffles Avenue, between Temasek Avenue and Nicoll Highway.

Only authorised vehicles displaying the approved labels will be allowed into the closed roads.

Auxiliary police officers, police officers and SAF traffic marshals will be stationed at the affected junctions to assist and direct motorists.

Public bus services affected by the road closures will be diverted accordingly.

Police also warned that traffic congestion is expected to occur along Raffles Boulevard, Raffles Avenue, Republic Avenue, Bras Basah Road, Nicoll Highway and Esplanade Drive.

Motorists are advised to plan their route and avoid these areas. Police also urged those travelling to the vicinity of Suntec City and Marina Square to use public transport.

For more information, contact the organiser at the hotline number 1800-637-2009.