LOUISVILLE — City police are beefing up security for this year's Thunder Over Louisville, part of the Kentucky Derby Festival's opening ceremonies, saying the 342 additional officers, state troopers and National Guard members should help ease traffic snarls.

        About 1,142 Guard members and officers from the city, county and suburbs will be assigned to the annual air show and fireworks extravaganza — which is billed as the nation's largest — near Waterfront Park on Saturday.

        Police also announced street closures and other security plans, saying more officers directing traffic, better street signs and traffic officers with a knowledge of alternative routes should reduce congestion.

        Instead of directing most outgoing traffic south, as they did last year, police will divide downtown into four quadrants and send most traffic from each one in a single direction. Even so, officials said, delays are inevitable.

        “When you have 700,000 people leaving at one time ... you have to be patient,” said Maj. Donald Burbrink, commander of the 2nd Police District, which includes downtown.

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