ROCK SPRINGS — The Rock Springs Police Department has a plan for improving the flow of traffic and pedestrians during the 2016 Sweetwater County Fair.
According to Chief Pacheco:
Rock Springs Police Department issues traffic plan for 2016 Sweetwater County Fair taking place Aug. 2nd to Aug. 6th.
As with previous years, citizens planning to attend the Sweetwater County Fair out at the fairgrounds need to be aware of traffic diversions during this event.
There will a couple diversions for traffic on Yellowstone Road and Foothill Boulevard that will vary by time of day. During the week, multiple law enforcement agencies will be doing traffic control in the area of the Sweetwater County fairgrounds and the intersections nearby.
Alison Deters, Public Information Officer said, “Please pay attention to the officers directing traffic as they are there to ensure you and your family stay safe walking across the roadways to and from the fair.”
Starting on Tuesday night around 5:00 p.m., traffic along southbound Yellowstone Road will be diverted onto Foothill Boulevard. The implementation of this traffic route diversion begins Tuesday night and continue nightly through Saturday night from 5:00 p.m. to midnight. This should help alleviate some of the traffic for safer pedestrian crossing from the vacant lot across from the main entrance to the fair.
Additionally, the main gate of the fair will be closed to vehicle traffic all week long and Armory Drive will also be closed nightly at 5:00 p.m. to through traffic for added safety to fairgoers.
During the fair, there will be a large amount of parking available to those attending. Paid parking will be available at the North Gate, along with handicapped and VIP parking. However, it is recommended that fairgoers use the Grandstand Parking area where it is FREE PARKING. Shuttles will be running from there to and from the main gate nightly from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
At the end of the night, all traffic will be directed out of the North Gate (Right turn only) to north on Yellowstone Road. JY road is about ½ mile north on Yellowstone Road and serves as a short cut to Highway 191 near Reliance, and back to Rock Springs.
After 9:00 p.m., vehicles traveling north on Foothill Blvd at Signal will be allowed to only turn right toward Yellowstone Road. Also, there will be no left turn allowed from Yellowstone Road to Signal Drive during this time. This diversion helps fairgoers exit the area in a quicker, easier and safer manner.
Chief Pacheco wants to remind everyone to slow down in these areas. Whenever you have a mix of children, carnivals, excitement and vehicles there is a potential for an accident. Finally, if you drink, please do so responsibly, and DON’T drink and drive. RSPD encourages residents to call a cab or have a designated sober driver.
