Published: June 28, 2009 09:42 pm      

Organizers urge awareness during events

Change of Summer Motion location alters traffic routes, fireworks viewing

ASHLAND — The landscape of Summer Motion will be different this year because of its relocation to Ashland’s Central Park.

Event organizers are urging attendees and residents of Ashland to be aware of traffic detours around the park and changes in the fireworks viewing area on Saturday.

The fireworks display will be at the riverfront but, because of construction on Veterans Riverfront Park, viewing will be limited to areas on the Greenup Avenue side of the railroad tracks.

According to Ashland Police Maj. Todd Kelley, who is also a committee member of Summer Motion, the main viewing area will be the parking lot of the Ashland Transportation building near the floodwall between 13th and 15th streets. He cautioned spectators there will be limited space in that area.

Kelley stressed that the railroad tracks will be unprotected and train speeds unaltered, therefore spectators need to use extreme caution near the tracks.

“We don’t want anyone going over the tracks,” he said.

The fireworks will be launched from a barge at a similar location to past years, Kelley said, meaning spectators who have found other preferred locations should still be able to see the show clearly.

As with past years the show will also be choreographed to music simulcast from radio stations WTCR 103.3 and B97.

The concert in Central Park will end shortly after 9 p.m. and the fireworks will not begin until around 9:40 p.m. to give spectators time to move toward the fireworks.

Kelley urged pedestrians to use caution while walking downtown. “They need to obey the traffic lights and stay in the crosswalks,” he said.

Patience and attention to safety will also be needed from motorists, who began experiencing Summer Motion-related road closure and detour signs near Central Park on Friday.

Central Avenue will be closed to all through traffic between 19th and 21st streets until the conclusion of Summer Motion. Chattin Drive through Ashland’s Central Park will also be closed beginning Tuesday night through the end of Summer Motion Sunday.

“Just follow the signage. Don’t panic because traffic takes you somewhere else. If you have another way to work I encourage you to use it during the time because it may be confusing,” Kelley said.

Summer Motion attendees are also being encouraged to park on city streets in marked parking spots to avoid being towed from private lots. Kelley said current city parking ordinances at both metered and non-metered spots will be enforced during regular posted times through Friday.

CARRIE STAMBAUGH can be reached at cstambaugh@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.