The Regina Police Service is assigning additional resources to traffic safety and traffic control for Canada Day, Friday, July 1, 2011. The Regina Police Service advises Regina motorists of the planned road closure of Albert Street from College Avenue to Regina Avenue, at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Canada Day. There will also be some traffic restrictions of which the motoring public should take note.
The road closure and additional resources are necessary to ensure the safety of those who come out to see the Canada Day Fireworks Display, which is expected to begin at about 10:30 p.m. on July 1st. The fireworks will be launched from Willow Island, making the Albert Street Bridge one of the ideal vantage points from which pedestrians may view the fireworks. The Albert Street Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic starting at about 10:00 p.m. Traffic southbound on Albert Street at College Avenue will be directed eastbound on College Avenue. Traffic northbound on Albert Street at McCallum Avenue will be directed westbound on McCallum. All traffic eastbound on Regina Avenue will be directed southbound on Albert Street. These detours will remain in place until after the end of the fireworks display, once pedestrian flow has subsided. At that time, police officers will permit vehicle traffic flow to return to normal.
Police will also be patrolling Broad Street between College Avenue and Lakeshore Drive as well as the Ring Road, between Assinboine Avenue and WascanaParkway. This is to ensure that motorists do not park illegally or stop in the roadway creating a hazard for other motorists. Anyone wanting to view the fireworks will be directed to find a safer location. Vehicles that are not legally and safely parked may be ticketed and towed.
As always, motorists are reminded to pay attention to signage and instructions provided by police personnel and others assisting in Canada Day festivities. The public is advised not to leave valuables in vehicles in plain view. Take the necessary precautions to secure your property and lock your vehicles. The Canada Day Fireworks Display is a family-oriented celebration but it will also be a busy one. Make sure young children are in the company of trusted caregivers and discuss a safety plan should members of your group become separated.
The Regina Police Service wishes everyone a safe and happy Canada Day 2011.