CARMI, Ill. - The complicated traffic patterns ensuing from the City of Carmi’s upcoming Fourth of July celebration have been addressed by Chief of Police Jason Carter.
Traffic patterns have been established for this year’s fireworks display, which is set for next Wednesday night, July 4, at around 9 p.m.
The pattern will essentially be the same as years past, said Carter, with the whole thing going into effect at 8:45 p.m., and includes closing the southbound traffic on Oak Street to Fairground Road. Main at Fairgrounds Road will be open until just prior to the start of the fireworks before being closed.
ALL entrances to the Fairground will be blocked off again this year, Carter said. There will not be any vehicle or pedestrians allowed to be inside the Fairground during the fireworks display. Any persons or vehicle located inside will be asked to leave by Carmi Police or Carmi Fire Personnel prior to the start of the fireworks. Vehicles will still be allowed to park around the outside fencing of the Fairgrounds as in years past.
Following the fireworks display, all traffic exiting onto Fairground Road will be turned north and south on Fairground Road.
Fair Street traffic will be turned northbound toward Oak Street and at Oak Street, all traffic will be turned eastbound only. Traffic from Oak Street will not be allowed to turn south onto Fairground Road during this time.
Traffic from April Avenue at Main Street will be allowed to turn east onto Main Street only.
Traffic on Main Street will not be allowed to enter Fairground Road during this time. Southbound traffic from Fairground Road will be allowed to turn west on Main Street only.
Any vehicles parked in the grassy area along Main Street will be directed to join the westbound flow of traffic on Main Street.
The traffic signals at Main and Fairgrounds will be set to flash red and all rules that would apply to stop signs will be applicable.
Motorists are reminded to watch for and obey all directions from Carmi Police officers, White County Sheriff’s deputies, and local Carmi Fire EMA units. Although this may sound confusing, it’s a pattern that has worked well for the past several years. This traffic routing system is in place to enable the safest and quickest exiting of traffic from the event area.
Carter said he also wants to remind Carmi residents that fireworks are dangerous and could cause serious injury and death. Most fireworks are illegal in Illinois.
“Basically, a good rule of thumb is, if it’s labeled as a firework and makes any type of loud noise or explodes, it’s probably going to be illegal in Illinois,” Carter said. Most of these items are readily accessible in neighboring states. However, they are illegal to possess and use in Illinois. Carmi Police will respond to complaints of fireworks as they are received.
“We just want citizens to understand they are illegal to possess,” Carter said, “and we don’t want people getting in trouble over fireworks. If officers respond, those person(s) are subject to all fireworks being confiscated and a citation could be issued.”
Depending on the amount of fireworks an individual has, it could be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which could lead to an arrest.
As a reminder, Carter said, if you are celebrating with alcohol involved, they’re reminding everyone to be responsible and not drink and drive. Make sure there is a designated driver present.
“We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday,” Carter said.