TYPE OF INCIDENT: Back to the 50’s Cruise -Street Closure
DATE OF EVENT: July 31, 2010 TIME OF EVENT: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
LOCATION: 6th and 7th Streets between “B” Street and “M” Street
NEWS RELEASE COMPLETED BY: Todd Moran, Corporal DATE: 07-14-2010 TIME: 1400

DETAILS:
On Saturday, July 31, 2010, the “Back to the 50’s” car cruise will take place on 6th and 7th Streets, in the downtown corridor. Traffic will be detoured at 6th and “A” Streets, as this will be a closed cruise. Northbound traffic on 7th Street will be closed at “M” Street to “A” Street. The street closure will start at 6:00 pm and the roadway will be cleared at 9:30 pm. Drivers are encouraged to utilize the Parkway Bridge and 4th Street for access south of the river.

Fourth (4th) Street and Ninth (9th) Street will see increased traffic during the time of the cruise, as all detoured traffic will be routed to these side streets. All side streets from “B” Street to “L” Streets will be closed at 5th and 8th streets for the cruise. “G” Street between 4th and 6th Streets and “G” Street between 7th and 9th Streets will also be closed, beginning at 5:00 pm until approximately 11:00 pm. No vehicles will be allowed to pass the barricades at these intersections. It is suggested that individuals who wish to watch the cruise, park on the side streets or public parking areas accessible outside of the barricaded areas.

The following areas will be posted no parking from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm:
6th Street between “A” and “L” Streets
7th Street between “A” and “M” Streets
“G” Street between 4th and 9th Streets
“B” Street between 6th and 7th
“C” Street between 6th and 7th
“L” Street between 6th and 7th
“K” Street between 6th and 7th

Any vehicles left in the cruise route will be towed at the owner’s expense.

In addition to the above listed detours, drivers traveling in-bound (west) on “E” Street will be requested to detour north and south onto Mill Street. If drivers want to get across the river, avoid going westbound on “E” Street past Mill as “E” Street will be closed at 9th Street.

Another area to avoid, if possible, is the area of 8th Street at “A” Street, because this portion of the roadway has a curve, it will be especially hazardous if drivers are trying to get from 8th Street onto “A” Street.

The cruise is limited to vehicles built in 1975 and older. Each participant in the cruise will have to pay and register. The cruise is limited to 550 cars – to register go to www.gptca.com or 220 SE H Street, Suite 5, or call 476-5773.

Access to staging locations for individuals wanting to enter the cruise will be at 7th and L Streets (Bank of America) and 7th and G Streets (North Safeway). No unauthorized vehicles will be allowed access to the cruise route during the course of the cruise. Any unauthorized vehicles will be issued a citation.

For the many citizens who will be coming into the downtown area to watch the evening events, DOGS ARE HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. In the past there have been several dogs that have created problems for other citizens who were there to watch the events unmolested by strange dogs. It is for the safety of everyone that people are asked to leave their dogs at home. Any unleashed dogs will result in the dog owner being cited and requested to leave the area.

The public restrooms located at the Visitors Center (6th and “G”) will be closed, however porta-potties will be placed throughout the cruise route:

Welcome Center (the regular bathrooms will be closed to the public)
Grants Pass Daily Courier parking lot
Bank of America
North Safeway
6th / D Streets (Dutch Brothers)
6th Street between “G” and “H” on the east side of 6th
6th Street between “H” and “I” on the west side at the alley node
6th and “K” Streets on the east side in the parking lot

There will also be eight porta-potties at Riverside Park.

The Grants Pass Dept. of Public Safety would like to remind all drivers to be extremely cautious during, and especially after, the cruise due to the increased amount of pedestrian traffic in the downtown area. There will be numerous extra traffic officers patrolling the downtown area watching for violations and careless drivers. Please help to make this a fun and safe event for all involved and drive very carefully.

Grants Pass Department of Public Safety 101 NW ‘A’ Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526 Telephone# 541-474-6370 Fax# 541-476-8527