July 4th always presents a mess for traffic. With the annual Fourth Fest happening at Bayfront Festival Park, there is some parking in the area but it is very limited. Plus it is not easy getting around and sometimes you have to be creative. The Duluth Police issued a statement for how they plan to handle traffic.

As long as they are open there is parking at the DECC Parking Ramp, the Great Lakes Aquarium Lot, and at the parking lots on Railroad Street near 5th Avenue West. You will be able to get around the area until after lunch, then the volume will increase.

According to a Duluth Police Statement here is how the traffic will look.

Harbor Drive behind the DECC may be closed to traffic during the evening to accommodate the large number of pedestrians that gather to watch the display. Prior to the fireworks display, 5th Avenue West below the I-35 Ramps will be closed to down bound vehicle traffic. One lane east and one lane west will be open for traffic on Railroad Street in front of the DECC.

 

The City of Duluth says

The Aerial Lift Bridge will be in the down position from 7:00 p.m. on July 4 to 1:00 a.m. on July 5. Fireworks will commence at 10:10 p.m. and last 20 to 25 minutes. At the conclusion of the fireworks display, vehicles in the Canal Park and Park Point area should EXPECT LONG DELAYS. Access to the Canal Park and Park Point areas WILL BE RESTRICTED until most of the congestion in that area has been alleviated. If you need to get to those areas, it is advised to return there before 10:00 p.m. to avoid the delay.

 

There will be traffic control at major clogs, but the Duluth Police and the City of Duluth remind people not to expect to get around fast, it will be a slow process and have a little patience. Also, something to remember, you CAN NOT bring pets to the Fourth Fest.

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