Wednesday, August 30, 2000

Holiday travel will be difficult

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Highways, airways likely to be clogged

By James Pilcher
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        Let the fireworks begin.

        On the roads and runways, that is.

John Russell of Florence (left) and Loren Cook of Latonia put caps over mortar tubes in preparation for Sunday's fireworks display. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

        Whether staying in town or fleeing Sunday's Riverfest throng for a quick getaway, the oncoming Labor Day weekend will provide plenty of traveling challenges.

        Residents on both sides of the Ohio River are bracing for the annual onslaught of 500,000 people and their vehicles for Sunday's Riverfest and accompanying fireworks, with continuing construction on Fort Washington Way potentially causing turmoil.

        Officials overseeing the $314 million highway renovation said Tuesday that the section of Second Street between Vine and Main streets that was supposed to open Thursday has been delayed for at least another week.

        The news isn't much better for those traveling out of town. The national AAA office estimated that Labor Day weekend travel will be up 5 percent over last year, even though gasoline prices have risen an average of 23 cents from last Labor Day.

        At the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, a large volume of travelers is expected throughout the weekend.

RIVERFEST

Where: Along the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Newport and Covington.   When: Sunday, noon until conclusion of fireworks, which begin at 9:05 p.m.   Admission: Free.   Information: 621-9326, 749-3764, www.webn.com; www.riverfest.cc   Bus service: In Cincinnati, Metro provides regular Sunday routes for 50 cents one-way.   Riverfest Express: $3 round trip; exact change only. Buses depart 2-6 p.m. from Park & Rides, with drop-off points at various downtown locations.   In Northern Kentucky, TANK will run regular Sunday routes for 50 cents one way. The Southbank Shuttle runs 10 a.m.-11 p.m. for 25 cents with an additional stop at Sawyer Point's Butler Street drop-off.   TANK Riverfest shuttles: $3 one way; $1 for children (exact change only). Buses leave from Northern Kentucky University, Buttermilk Park & Ride, Buttermilk Crossing, Crescent Springs and Florence Bigg's.

        Officials with Delta Air Lines said that, while Labor Day does not rank among the top three travel weekends of the year, it is in the top 10. This weekend should be no exception — not good news for air travelers already rocked by delays.

        “We've got relatives coming in both by driving and flying,” said Dan Stewart, a retired electrician from Lawrenceburg who is hosting a baby shower for his daughter and a wedding shower for another relative. “It's going to be interesting to see who gets here when.”

        Officials stress two words for those wanting to see the fireworks up close — public transportation.

        With downtown streets south of Seventh Street closing at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, and an afternoon Reds game at Cinergy Field taking up a good chunk of the estimated 30,000 spots downtown, the bus will be the best way to go. Both TANK and Metro will offer shuttle service from outlying areas.

        “We'd appreciate anyone driving to arrive early, because there are only so many places we have to put autos downtown,” said Cincinnati Police Lt. Ron Higgins, special events coordinator for District 1.

        Lt. Higgins said officers weren't bracing for anything other than a typical Riverfest crowd.

        “Overall, we're not worried about it,” he said. “We have a good plan, but we need the public's cooperation with the use of public transportation. That helps us tremendously.”

        Officials did stress, however, that anyone caught blocking an intersection at a red light would be cited and fined as much as $56.

        In the past three months, Cincinnati police have issued 125 tickets to downtown motorists for such offenses.

        “It is necessary. ... We must maintain proper traffic flow downtown,” said Cincinnati Police District 1 commander Capt. Vince Demasi.

        Throughout the state, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will operate checkpoints to spot possible drunken drivers and remind people to buckle their seat belts.

        According to OSP Sgt. Gary Lewis, there were 20 traffic fatalities in Ohio on Labor Day weekend a year ago. Four of the crashes involved alcohol, while 17 of those killed were not wearing seat belts.

        AAA of Greater Cincinnati spokeswoman Jennifer Ledonne said some of the more popular driving destinations are Sandusky, Ohio; Chicago; Nashville and Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and state parks within a day's drive. She also said there will be a sizable contingent of Notre Dame fans traveling to South Bend, Ind., for the Fighting Irish's football season opener against Texas A&M on Saturday.

        “There is still a lot of construction going on all over the area, so we just tell people to allow extra time and be patient,” Ms. Ledonne said.

        Traffic won't be limited to the roadways, especially with Delta Air Lines counting on a heavy weekend throughout its system, especially at its hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

        That, coupled with construction continuing along Interstate 275 and the potential for thunderstorms, means air travelers should also schedule extra time for their trips, Delta spokeswoman Cindy Kurczewski said.

        “Watch the weather in both Cincinnati and at the destination,” Ms. Kurczewski said.

        Orlando, Fla., and Las Vegas are two of the most popular destinations, travel agents said. Tanner Cotton of Loveland will be making her third trip of the summer, although on Tuesday she hadn't decided which city to visit. “I'm on the Deltascapes program, which allows you to pick from a list,” said Ms. Tanner, who planned to decide at the last minute before flying out Friday. “I really don't care, as long as it isn't Cincinnati on this weekend. I've done the fireworks for what seems like a million times, and it's time for something different.”

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