TIMES SQUARE — The "1" and "5" signs that will welcome in 2015 took their place in Times Square Tuesday.
The numerals, both 7 feet tall and featuring dozens of light bulbs, arrived on a flatbed truck and were lit up by Landmark Signs & Electric employees.
“It’s exciting! It’s great to see the number 15 and see it’s going to be up there,” said Mary Jane Mehring from Westfield, N.J., who had come to New York to celebrate her 60th birthday.
"It's a brand-new year starting very soon."
The two glowing numbers sat lit in Duffy Square, on 46th Street and Broadway, until 2 p.m. on Monday so people could have their photos taken next to them.
More than 20 people quickly lined up for the chance.
“I usually watch [the Times Square New Year’s celebrations] on TV. I’m really excited to have my photo next to the famous numbers,” said Kamini Abdool, 39, a surveyor, as she posed.
The two signs will be installed next to the current “20” on Dec. 26.
The numbers will be lit up again at midnight on Dec. 31 after the famous ball drop.
When asked why officials did not just replace the 4 with a 5, Joeyffre Strauss, the president of Countdown Entertainment, said having both the 1 and the 5 made it more "iconic."
“When you’re writing the date, you write 15 not 5,” he said.
The light bulbs were donated by Philips.