A Reminder for Independence Day
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(IDAHO FALLS, ID) — A full-day of celebration to be had next Thursday July 4th. Here is the official reminder on closures, parking and rules from Idaho Falls Police:
Here is a review of some of the road closures and additional information that will affect attendees during Independence Day events
Memorial Drive, from Broadway to “E” Street will be closed to all vehicle traffic beginning at 6 AM, Wednesday, July 3rd. Memorial Drive will not be re-opened until Friday morning, July 5th. The closure is to accommodate The Liberty Festival.
There will be no parking permitted on Riverside Drive from “E” Street to U.S. 20 on the day of the 4th. Riverside Drive will be closed to all vehicle traffic on July 4th. from 6 p.m. until the fireworks are over and pedestrian traffic has cleared out. Only pedestrian traffic will be allowed during this closure. A fire lane will be established for emergency vehicles only. All citizens are asked to keep this area clear for emergency response during the 4th of July celebration.
No parking will be allowed around Civitan Park, on Elva from Riverside to Jefferson Ave, Jefferson Ave. and “I” Street from Elva to Temple Place, 48 hours prior to the fireworks and until after the fireworks. Vehicles and RV’s parked on these streets will be towed at owner’s expense.
Jefferson Ave. and “I” Street will be closed from Elva to Temple Place, to all motorized vehicle traffic at 6 PM on July 4th until the fireworks are over and pedestrian traffic has cleared out. Only pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be allowed during this closure.
River Parkway will again be closed June 29th through July 5th to vehicle traffic north of the Driftwood Hotel to U.S. 20.
No parking will be allowed on U.S. 20 on the grassy areas from Science Center Drive to Saturn Ave before, during or after the fireworks show. This ban includes the interstate exits and entrances. Vehicles parked in these areas will be towed at the owner’s expense.
After the fireworks, exits from U.S. 20 onto Lindsay Blvd, Riverside Drive and Science Center will be closed in an effort to break up traffic congestion. North bound traffic will have to travel to the Lewisville Highway before being allowed to turn back into Idaho Falls.
The northbound ramp at exit 119 on Interstate 15 will also be closed at the start of the fireworks.
“E” Street traffic will be for eastbound only, both lanes, to provide egress for fireworks related traffic.
The “island” on Riverside Drive next to Vissing Circle will be designated for handicapped parking only.
The parade route will remain the same this year. It will proceed west on 4th from Holmes, turn south on Boulevard and ends at Tautphaus Park. Drivers are urged to use caution in this area because of the high numbers of pedestrians in that area.
The intersection at 17th Street and Boulevard will be interrupted twice on the 4th, once for the 5K run and again for the parade.
“Staking” is highly discouraged. Stakes and string or ropes can cause damage to city sprinkler systems and mowing equipment. Those causing damage will be responsible for repairs. “staking” does not legally reserve you a spot. Parks and Recreation crews will be removing these items prior to the fireworks.
Remember ALL fireworks are prohibited by City Code at the Liberty Festival, parade and the fireworks celebration on the greenbelt. Please do not bring any fireworks of any kind to these events.
Alcohol is prohibited in all City parks. City open container laws will be enforced
Because of the large crowd, delays in leaving the celebration are inevitable. Please be courteous and patient with other drivers and consider carpooling or riding a bike to the event. Please follow the direction of Police and Citizen Watch Officers.
Again this year, Ash Street will be closed for vehicle traffic, after the parade ends and will remain closed, for all motorized vehicles until after the fireworks have ended and traffic has cleared. This is to provide a bicycle and pedestrian route, to and from the Liberty Festival and fireworks. Those wishing to use this route should go to Broadway and Yellowstone to be assisted in crossing Yellowstone.
Above all, enjoy the best Independence Day celebration in the area. Have a fun and safe celebration.