Plans set for traffic after fireworks

According to the Brazil City Police Department, there will be three major exits from Forest Park after the completion of the Brazil Rotary Club Fourth of July Celebration's fireworks Saturday. This unofficial map highlights the Yellow, Red and Green area exits motorists will use.

"It's hectic," Brazil City Police Chief Dave Archer told The Brazil Times about the upcoming holiday traffic. "But the main objective is to get everyone home safely."

Although the congested traffic after the fireworks display only happens once a year, Archer said all police chiefs have tried their own approaches to the unique situation.

While there's not been "a big plan of attack" set in place for the traffic in the past, Archer said the department is trying something new this year.

"There is a lot of traffic from out-of-town visitors who are unfamiliar with the area, and it's inconvenient for locals, but it's only one weekend a year," he said.

According to Archer, motorists can expect some changes this year when leaving Forest Park after the fireworks, including:

* The intersection of Nabuca and Bonnie Gene Miller drives (near the swimming pool area) will be blocked by the BCPD and all motorists who park east of the ball parks and the area of the walking track will exit the park along John Steele Drive to Pinckley Street. This is the Red Area on the map. Motorists using the Red Area exit will only be allowed to go north or east at this intersection,

* Motorists who park in the lot near the Forest Park Pavilion (Cow Palace) and on north Bonnie Gene Miller Drive will exit north along King Street to Pinckley Street. This is the Yellow Area on the map. Motorists will be allowed to turn at the Yellow Area exit west to State Road 59 or turn east along Pinckley St.,

* Motorists who park along east Posey, Center and Deloss streets near the park will exit along King St. at the Yellow Area exit, and

* Motorists who park west of the blocked intersection at swimming pool area will be routed to State Road 59, where they will be allowed to turn north or south at the Green Area exit.

"We have limited manpower to block all of the intersections in the area, like the small side streets, but we'll have officers at the major exits," Archer said. "We really ask people to be patient. We're doing our best. This only happens once a year and only lasts an hour or so."