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All is calm on Las Vegas Strip before New Year’s Eve partying begins

Ah, the calm before the storm of revelers, fireworks and New Year’s Eve madness.

This time-lapse video gives you a speedy trip down the Las Vegas Strip — a trip you won’t be able to make during Tuesday night’s celebration to welcome 2014.

Rolling road closures will be in line beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday on and near the Strip. Interstate 15 on- and off-ramps will be closed at 5 p.m. for eastbound Spring Mountain Road, Flamingo Road and Tropicana Avenue until dawn Wednesday. Las Vegas Boulevard — the Strip — will be closed to vehicles from 6 p.m. to dawn between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road.

In other words, avoid the Strip with your car Tuesday night.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada will offer free bus service on all routes from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday. Some routes will have detours from 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to 3 a.m. Wednesday.

You can get safety and traffic updates from Las Vegas police by texting “info” to 702-800-6776.

The Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas will close to the public at 5 p.m. Tuesday with gates opening at 6 p.m. for the Downtown Countdown. The main gates are at Fourth and Fremont streets, and Main and Fremont streets. The party goes until 3 a.m.

Las Vegas police remind everyone that metal and glass containers will not be allowed on the Strip or downtown. Only plastic containers can be used.

Firework displays will be along the Strip from the rooftops of seven hotels and under the Fremont Street Experience canopy.

The National Weather Service says temperatures at midnight should be in the mid-40s near the Strip to the upper 30s in Summerlin and Anthem. Clark County health officials advise that the smoke and dust from fireworks could affect the air quality on Wednesday. Those with respiratory problems and diseases are advised to take precautions.

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