Drivers traveling through downtown Grants Pass should prepare for temporary traffic changes as a section of Fifth Street will close for the upcoming Main Street Cruise event.
City officials announced that Fifth Street between G Street and H Street will be closed to all through traffic beginning at noon on Thursday, July 23. The closure is necessary to accommodate event preparations and activities associated with the annual downtown gathering. The affected section of roadway is scheduled to remain closed until 4 p.m. on Friday, July 24, when it will reopen to normal vehicle traffic.
During the closure, detours will be established to direct motorists around the affected area. Drivers are encouraged to allow additional travel time, particularly during peak afternoon hours, as traffic volumes may increase on surrounding downtown streets.
Officials are advising residents, visitors and commuters to avoid the immediate area whenever possible and use alternate routes to minimize congestion and delays. Those with business in the downtown district should anticipate changes in normal traffic patterns while the event is underway.
The temporary closure will also affect emergency access through the work zone. Emergency vehicles will not be permitted to travel through the closed section of Fifth Street during the closure period, making it important for motorists to remain alert for emergency responders using alternate routes throughout the downtown area.
Businesses located near the closure are expected to remain accessible from surrounding streets, although access may vary depending on traffic conditions and event-related activities. Pedestrians visiting the downtown district are encouraged to remain aware of traffic control devices and follow any posted signage or directions provided by event staff and public safety personnel.
City officials ask drivers to respect barricades and traffic control measures throughout the closure. Entering a restricted roadway can create safety hazards for workers, event participants and the public while also disrupting planned traffic operations.
The temporary closure is part of preparations for the Main Street Cruise event, which brings increased activity to the downtown area and requires coordinated traffic management to safely accommodate participants and visitors.
Motorists seeking additional information about the closure or traffic impacts may contact Daniel Smaw at 541-761-9556. City officials encourage anyone planning to travel through downtown during the closure period to check conditions in advance and plan alternate routes to help reduce delays.