Downtown bridge closure affecting July 4th traffic

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you are planning to come downtown to watch the fireworks, the work on the 3rd Street bridge could affect how you get in and out of the heavy traffic areas.

A city spokesman said people need to park on the side of downtown closest to the direction they will travel after the fireworks. Vehicles parking in the CFCC parking deck on the corner of Red Cross and Front Street will have to exit to the south, so drivers heading that way should park here. Also, the event area along Water Street will close the area at 1:30 p.m., and Chestnut Street between Front and 2^nd and 2^nd and 3^rd streets will close as early as 5 p.m. for WPD staging. Streets west of 2^nd Street toward the river will close as early as 6 p.m.

Click here to see a map showing some of these closures and traffic patterns.

City officials say drivers should prepare for a one to two-hour delay following the fireworks, which are set to start at 9:05 p.m. Music and vendors will start at 5 p.m.

Parking locations and rates (rates begin after 2 p.m.):

• CFCC parking decks: $5
• Market Street deck: $7
• 2^nd Street deck: $7
• NHC deck beside downtown library: $7
• Convention Center parking deck: $8
• Water Street deck (both levels open): $10