CINCINNATI, OH – Over a quarter of a million people will make their way to the Cincinnati Riverfront again this year to enjoy several entertainment venues, including the City’s annual Riverfest celebration which will include the spectacular Western & Southern/ WEBN Fireworks.  The Fireworks show will take place on Sunday, September 4 at approximately 9:00 PM.

Most Downtown streets will remain open throughout the day so that visitors can experience the excitement of Downtown destinations, including Fountain Square, restaurants, shops and more.  A number of streets, however, will continue to have lane restrictions due to ongoing construction zones.                         

Please be aware of pedestrians and obey all directions of the Cincinnati Police Department so that we can all make this year’s Riverfest a safe and enjoyable experience.  Everyone is encouraged to plan ahead and keep the following traffic tips in mind:

¿   Know where to go

¿   Arrive Early

¿   Use public transportation when possible

Know Where to Go

Access to the Cincinnati Riverfront will be limited to pedestrians only.  Third Street, and all streets north of Third Street, will be open so that people can access points throughout Downtown.  On-street parking will NOT be available throughout the downtown area south of Ninth Street after 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 4.

Other important closures include:

• The Purple People Bridge will be closed for Rozzi’s Fireworks.
• The Roebling Suspension Bridge and Taylor Southgate Bridge will all close at 6:00 PM to vehicles and pedestrians (Pedestrians may cross on the west side of the Taylor Southgate Bridge until 7:30 PM).  The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge will close to vehicles only at 6:00PM.
• Local access to the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge (I-471) from Ohio will close at 7:00 PM.
• The Third Street exit from westbound Columbia Parkway will close at 9:00 PM.
• The Third Street exit from southbound 71 will close at 9:00 PM.

The actual timing of these closures may be adjusted as traffic volumes dictate.

It is recommended that everyone coming to Riverfest take advantage of the convenient parking facilities located throughout the downtown areas and walk to the Riverfront.

Parking is available in the many lots and garages north of Third Street. Additional parking lots are located north and west of Paul Brown Stadium. Cash parking will be available in Riverfront surface lots in the vicinity of Paul Brown Stadium on a limited first come, first served basis.  Please note that construction sites in and around the riverfront are off limits for public parking. Sites will be clearly marked and secured, and anyone parking in these areas will be towed.

 

Arrive Early

People from all over the region will be coming to enjoy the festivities.  Those getting downtown early will have a better chance of finding premium parking in Riverfront lots, securing good vantage points for the fireworks show, and avoiding delays from heavy traffic. 

 

Use Public Transportation When Possible

As an alternative to driving, all are encouraged to use public transportation to obtain quick and convenient access to the downtown area. Metro and the Cincinnati Bell Connector will be running a normal operating schedule.   For more information, call MetroCenter at (513) 621-4455 or visit http://www.go-metro.com/.  For more information about the Southbank Shuttle as well as the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, contact TANK at (859) 331-TANK or visit www.tankbus.org. 

 

 

Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed and use caution when approaching the event area and to use alternate routes if possible.