Ahead of the sold-out Newport Jazz Festival, the Newport Police Department is sharing details on their plans to control traffic to and from Fort Adams State Park and around the city.
Newport Police Department today shared the following press release;
Newport Police Department Implements Traffic Management Plan to Enhance Festival Experience
Newport, RI – As Newport gears up for another exciting Jazz festival, the Newport Police Department is committed to ensuring that both residents and visitors enjoy a safe and seamless experience in our historic downtown. With an anticipated attendance of 8,000 to 10,000 festival-goers, we recognize the importance of effective traffic management to facilitate smooth movement throughout the city.
Due to Newport’s unique colonial layout, the southern part of the city has limited exit routes, which can lead to congestion during peak festival times. To address this, the Newport Police Department has developed a comprehensive traffic flow plan aimed at minimizing congestion while ensuring access to our vibrant downtown businesses.
**Key Features of the Traffic Management Plan:**
1. **Streamlined Exiting from the Fort:** As attendees leave the fort, traffic will be directed towards both Ocean Avenue and Ruggles Avenue. This strategic approach helps to disperse vehicles and alleviate bottlenecks.
2. **Access to Downtown:** Festival attendees will still have ample opportunities to reach downtown Newport. After exiting onto Ocean Avenue or Ruggles Avenue, drivers can utilize Coggeshall Avenue and Carroll Avenue to connect with Spring Street, leading directly to Memorial Boulevard and beyond.
3. **Traffic Flow Enhancements:** To further improve the flow of traffic, vehicles on Bellevue Avenue heading north will be diverted east onto Memorial Boulevard toward Easton’s Beach. This measure, supported by barricades, is designed to prevent unnecessary turnarounds that could exacerbate congestion.
4. **Maintaining Access to Businesses:** Our traffic management plan prioritizes access to downtown businesses while facilitating the departure of festival attendees. Options remain available for those wishing to head downtown, including turning onto Narragansett Avenue or continuing along Memorial Boulevard.
5. **Preventing Congestion Build-Up:** By directing traffic away from critical congestion points, we aim to create a smoother experience for all. This ensures that both those leaving the festival and those wishing to enjoy the night downtown can do so without the frustration of traffic jams.
The Newport Police Department is dedicated to making this festival season enjoyable for everyone involved. We encourage festival-goers to plan their trips accordingly and take advantage of the available routes to explore our charming downtown area.
We appreciate the cooperation of residents and visitors during this busy time and look forward to a successful festival season that celebrates the spirit of Newport.
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