CITY’S JULY 4 CELEBRATION TO AFFECT TRAFFIC ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER

With the region’s largest Independence Day celebration happening in downtown Charleston tomorrow night (Tuesday), traffic will be affected on both sides of the Kanawha River. The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s brass and percussion ensemble will perform from the Schoenbaum Stage of Haddad Riverfront Park, starting at 8 p.m. The region’s largest fireworks show – Fireworks by Pyrotechnico – will begin during the last song of the concert at approximately 9:40 p.m.

In preparation for the special event, Kanawha Boulevard will be closed between Capitol Street and Clendenin Street, starting at 5:30 p.m. Vendors will be offering food, beverages and fun on the Boulevard, starting at 6:30.

With two launch pads for fireworks, traffic on the south side of the river will be affected at different times during the evening. MacCorkle Avenue will be closed between Porter Road and U.S. 119, starting at 6 p.m., although eastbound traffic to access the South Side Bridge will be permitted via Thayer and Ferry Street until 9:30 p.m. At that time, Thayer and Ferry streets, the South Side Bridge and Loudon Heights Road between the South Side Bridge and Grosscup Road will be closed in preparation for the fireworks show.

The streets will remain closed until City crews are able to complete their cleanup of affected areas following the show.

Once again this year, Charleston will be the only city in the region with spectacular fireworks displays on both July 3 and 4 to launch and conclude the holiday. The West Virginia Power will hold an expanded fireworks show following its game tonight (Monday) at Appalachian Power Park. The Class A baseball team and city officials have worked together to coordinate dual displays on the eve and then evening of Independence Day for the past eight years.