Published: June 30, 2009 09:03 pm      

SPD to adjust traffic flow patterns for SomerBlast

Somerset — If you’re planning on attending this weekend’s SomerBlast event at SomerSport Park, take note: The Somerset Police Department is making some changes to traffic flow patterns and parking lot accommodations this year.

Beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, Pumphouse Road will be restricted to one-way for northbound traffic from the Ky. 80 Bypass to East Somerset Church Road. Macedonian Way and East Somerset Church Road will also be restricted to one-way traffic westbound from Pumphouse Road to Lisa’s Way.

“The one-way system should make it easier to ensure that everyone who is departing the event can do so in a safe, efficient way,” said Somerset Police Public Information Officer Det. Shannon Smith.

Parking will be permitted in the field adjacent to Pumphouse Road and in the East Somerset Baptist Church parking lot. Overflow cars will be directed to park in the westbound lanes of Macedonian Way and East Somerset Church Road.

Police officers will be stationed at various points to direct traffic.

Fourth of July festivities begin at 2 p.m. Friday at SomerSport Park. Reverend John and the Backsliders will perform at 2 p.m., followed by Jupiter Jones at 3 p.m. A band called It will be featured at 4 p.m., and Upstruck will perform at 5 p.m. Kelly Caldwell and the Mountain Connection will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Live Fish at 8 p.m.

A fireworks show will begin around dark.

There will be no parking on the east side of SomerSport Park near the Pulaski County Animal Shelter as in previous years because that area will be used by the fireworks technicians.

If you’d rather avoid the parking dilemmas, shuttle buses will be transporting attendees from Meece Middle School (off East Ky. 80 on Barnett Street) and the Pulaski County High School/YMCA area (at Ky. 39 and University Drive) at a cost of $1 per person.

Some individuals will opt to park along Ky. 80’s roadside to watch the fireworks display Friday evening. Smith says parking on the roadside is not prohibited, but he hopes families, especially those with young children, will be aware of the dangers of parking near a highway. Traffic will not be blocked on Ky. 80 during the fireworks show.

Admission to SomerBlast is free, although donations will be accepted at the entrance gate to help offset expenses.