New Yorkers prepare for car-free Times Square

Opening now on Broadway: Pedestrian malls at Times Square and Herald Square.

Opening now on Broadway: Pedestrian malls at Times Square and Herald Square.

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As part of a city Department of Transportation plan to make New York more livable, cars will be banned from stretches of Broadway at Times Square and at Herald Square near Macy's department store. The city believes the move will reduce pollution, cut down on pedestrian accidents and help traffic flow more smoothly. The Department of Transportation says the barriers will be fully in place by 8 p.m. Sunday.

A ceremony ushering in the new car-free era is planned for Monday.

Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan says her department will monitor the area closely during the initial adjustment period.