OSWEGO, NY – In preparation for Harborfest 2008, The Oswego Police Department wishes to announce the following advisories regarding traffic, pedestrian and general information specific to the Harborfest Celebration scheduled for July 24-27.
Traffic Control / Signage – With the State Route 104 Bridge project under way, there are many signs directing traffic in certain areas. Additionally, there may be other signage specific to Harborfest (such as no left turn signs, directions to / from park-n-ride locations, temporary no parking signs, etc.) that may be in place. We ask that motorists pay particular attention to the signage over the Haborfest weekend to help eliminate undo traffic congestion as a result of disobeying the traffic control devices.
Street Closings – On Saturday, July 26, 2008, at about 5:30 p.m., West Bridge Street from West First Street to Liberty Street will have barricades manned by New York State Police personnel at each intersection to stop vehicular traffic from traveling north.
Residents in this area may obtain access, with appropriate identification, at Liberty Street and West Bridge Street.
Family members and friends of these residents who are planning to go to these residences should plan on arriving before 5 p.m., as they will not be allowed access to the area once the streets are closed.
Additionally, there are a number of temporary parking restrictions that motorist should be aware of (see listing of affected streets below).
Harborfest vendors, delivery persons and cabs will also be allowed access at Liberty Street and West Bridge Street. At 6 p.m., there will be no vehicular traffic permitted on Lake Street until after the fireworks and all pedestrian traffic clears.
The Utica Street Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, during and immediately following the fireworks, only pedestrians and emergency vehicles will be allowed access during that time.
Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly.
Boat Launching – Any person wishing to launch their boat at Wrights Landing on Saturday will have to do so before 5:30 p.m. Anyone who has parking passes for Wrights Landing, plan on being there by 5:30 p.m., because once we close the streets, you will not be allowed access.
Handicap Parking – Handicap parking is limited in the Breitbeck Park area.
If you plan on trying to park in one of these locations, you should plan to do so by 5 p.m.
Once the streets are closed vehicular traffic will be denied.
Note: These handicap parking spaces are usually full by late morning on the day of the fireworks.
Please consider using trolleys and cabs as they will be allowed access.
Parking – Parking is limited near all Harborfest venues. Additionally, to help facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles, the following parking restrictions will be in effect (some of which may already be in place):
WEST
West Second Street between West Cayuga Street and Lake Street (No Parking East side)
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West Fifth Street between West Utica Street and Lake Street (No Parking East Side)
West Eighth Street between West Utica Street and West Cayuga Street (No Parking West Side)
West Eighth Street between West Cayuga Street and Lake Street (No Parking East Side)
Liberty Street between West Bridge Street and the North End (No Parking East Side)
West Cayuga Street between West First Street and West Third Street (No Parking South Side)
West Cayuga Street between West Third Street and West Bridge Street (No Parking North Side)
West Seneca Street between West First Street and West Bridge Street (No Parking South Side)
West Schuyler Street between West First Street and Liberty Street (No Parking North Side)
West Schuyler Street between Liberty Street and John Street (No Parking Either Side)
West Van Buren Street between West Second Street and Liberty Street (No Parking South Side)
EAST
East Schuyler Street between East Second Street and East Fourth Street (No Parking Either Side)
East Cayuga Street between East First Street and East Fourth Street (No Parking Either Side)
East Third Street between East Cayuga Street and East Bridge Street (No Parking West Side)
East Fourth Street between East Schuyler Street and East Bridge Street (No Parking West Side)
Parking violators will be ticketed and towed beginning Thursday, July 24. The fines for parking are $30 for most violations and $80 for handicap violations. Scotty’s Towing (315-342-2869) tows for the City of Oswego and they will be towing vehicles to their lot at 500 W. 1st St. (south of Ellen St.).
The towing fee is $75.
We encourage motorists to use the free Harborfest Park-N-Ride lots located at SUNY Oswego, and the Oswego Speedway. Parking in both of the Park-N-Ride areas is free, and you may use the free Centro Bus Shuttle service to take you into our downtown area. We also encourage residents to walk or use the trolleys and / or bus service. Note: The shuttle buses and trolleys will not be crossing the river, you will need to walk or, for a small fee, use the water taxi (operational during daylight hours only).
Pedestrians – The “Rail Trail Bridge†and “Tunnel†will be closed at dark.
After dark, pedestrians will have to use the Utica Street Bridge to travel across the river. We ask people attending Harborfest to use crosswalks at an intersection controlled by a police officer or a traffic light, as vehicular traffic will be heavy, particularly on Saturday. We also ask that motorists be extremely cautious of pedestrian traffic. Pedestrian safety is a priority for the Oswego Police Department and we ask all pedestrians to use the sidewalks as they walk throughout the city during Harborfest.
Open Container Ordinance – Harborfest is designated to be a fun family oriented event and we ask all those attending Harborfest to be respectful of others enjoying the festival and to act responsibly.
The city’s Open Container Ordinance, which prohibits the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a public place, will be strictly enforced throughout this event. Fines for this violation can be up to $250, 15 days in jail or both.
The only exceptions to the ordinance, where adults over the age of 21 may legally possess and open container of an alcoholic beverage in public space are; Breitbeck Park, Wright’s Landing Picnic Area, designated area at Port Stage, and the designated area on Water Street (north of Bridge Street after the street has been closed by police). If you do choose to drink alcoholic beverages, do so responsibly and please don’t drink and drive.
The Oswego City Police Department wishes to remind fest goers that travel across the river this year will be more time consuming due to the State Route 104 Bridge being out of service.
We ask that you please plan ahead.
Consider choosing early which venues you want to visit during the Harborfest Celebration to limit the amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic trying to cross the Oswego River.
For additional Harborfest information, visit www.oswegoharborfest.com
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