Traffic flow will cause delays at Stars and Thunder

If you can avoid Brunette Road on your usual commute during the Stars and Thunder Festival, that would be a wise decision.

“Whether you’re going to work, whether you’re coming from work, whether you’re going to lunch, if that’s part of your daily commute, then we’re saying to you now, plan ahead.”

That from Timmins Police Deputy Chief Des Walsh, who briefed media on traffic and parking for the festival Friday morning.

He gave a little more of a description on how traffic flow will be working along Brunette, which will be turned into a three-lane road that travels one-way southbound.

Those lanes will be clearly painted in time for the switch, that takes effect at 8am on Thursday, June 22nd.

Along with the line painting will come ‘jersey barriers,’ which are barriers filled with water.  Walsh says that way, they can empty the barrier and move them with ease in case of an emergency.

(Much of this information was covered by Walsh at Timmins city council June 5th. CLICK HERE for our story.)

As you can see in the picture, the barrier will separate the western-most lane from the other two lanes.

The western-most lane is for regular traffic, the middle lane is for traffic looking to drop someone off, and the third lane will be for actual drop off spots.  As indicated in the picture, there are a few regular drop off spots, and two spots for “accessibility drop offs.” (It says accessibility parking, but is NOT for parking.)

Just south of the Hollinger Park entrance (not pictured above), covering the roadway in front of the cenotaph will be a drop off spot for the Handy-Transit bus.

There will also be a separation right at the entrance, designated as a pedestrian crosswalk.

The main thing with the way the “drop off” area works—as Walsh puts it—is similar to how it would be at Pearson Airport in Toronto. You can stop, unload, “do your kiss and cry and then you’re gone.”

“If you do come (to the festival) in a private vehicle, you will be permitted to stop your vehicle momentarily in order to unload your passengers,” he said.

“But you will not, under any circumstances, be allowed to park there. Police officers will be there to ensure you’re kept moving.”

The barriers will extend to the southern-most exit of Food Basics, where traffic will merge together once again.

The closure goes up to Second Avenue, where an officer will be stationed to direct traffic.

As well, Walsh says the whole stretch will be closed “for about an hour” during the fireworks portion of each day. He says this will allow safe access for pedestrians to cross the road safely once the fireworks are complete and clear the festival grounds.

Parking and pedestrian traffic is restricted on Water Tower Road, unless you can confirm you are conducting business at any of the businesses up the road.

Walsh adds Shania Twain Road is for fireworks officials only.

He reiterated that public transit will be the best way to access the festival, as parking will be limited and more importantly, public transit will be free throughout the festival (see the picture below for full transit schedule).

The transit terminal will act as the base, and signs will be posted for patrons to get from the terminal to the festival grounds. They don’t encourage walking on private property to cut through.

Taxi cabs will be able to drop you off at the drop off site at the park, but Walsh says they will not be allowed to be there for pick up.

He suggests walking away from Brunette Road and calling a cab to pick you up at a separate location.

They say the parking lot across the street—the Park Road Square—is technically private property and usage of the lot is at the discretion of the area business owners.

(This is normal in most cities holding large scale events.  For example, Yorkdale Shopping Centre in the north end of Toronto has controlled traffic in their lot so customers are the only ones utilizing it and subway riders going to an event in Downtown Toronto park elsewhere.)

Walsh says familiarize yourself with the rules on the Stars and Thunder website, including what you can and cannot bring.

He says doing that makes their job easier, as police usually have to step in to settle disputes between festival officials and patrons.

Walsh adds police will be there to work with you if anything comes up and to enjoy the festival.

“The Timmins Police Service, just as much as everyone else, wants everyone to have a great and fun time at the Stars and Thunder Festival,” he says, “Quite simply, our message is if you adhere to the festival rules and mitigate any problems taking place, then you’re going to have a great time, and that’s what we all want.”