Some disruption to normal travel movements may be expected tomorrow with a number of road closures and diversions in place to accommodate the crowds and the safe passage to the various Halloween celebrations taking place in Derry city centre.
Ahead of the carnival parade, lane closures will be operated with temporary traffic restrictions during the evening; on Strand Road, a lane in front of the Council offices will close from 6.00pm and reopen at 8.45pm and on the Foyle Embankment, on the city bound approach to Water Street, a lane will be closed from 6.50pm until approximately 8.30pm.
For varying lengths of time during the evening events (from 7.00pm-8.30pm) the following roads will be closed to traffic and alternative diversions will be in place at Strand Road – Harbour Square, Queen’s Quay, Whittaker Street and Foyle Embankment (between Water St and City Hotel).
St Columb’s Road will be closed to traffic from 3:00pm, except to drivers who have been issued with passes.
Carnival Route
The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival Parade will commence at 7.00pm. The parade will travel along the Strand Road, turn left towards the City Hotel, around Harbour Square Roundabout and return to the Council car park along Queen’s Quay at approximately 7.45pm.
It will be possible for spectators to view the parade from anywhere along its route. A viewing area for people with disabilities will also be located on the Queen’s Quay opposite the City Hotel.
Fireworks
The parade will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the River Foyle at 8.00pm. During the display the recommended viewing areas on the city side are the Queen’s Quay and Foyle Embankment.
On the Waterside, the top of Browning Drive and Ebrington Parade Ground are the best locations.
Viewing from the Peace Bridge will be permitted for a limited number of people, determined by safety calculations.
Pedestrian Access to Peace Bridge
For safety reasons, the number of spectators on the Peace Bridge will be limited and it will most likely be necessary to close the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists for a short period (from 7.30pm-8.30pm) once a safe capacity has been reached.
The time of the closure will be dictated by circumstances, with every effort being made to minimise the disruption.
In addition, for safety reasons, the public will not be permitted to use the greenway at St Columb’s Park as a spectator area.
Members of the public and ticket holders attending the Chic concert at The Venue are advised to take the bridge’s closure into account when planning their travel arrangements and to co-operate with the stewards who will be present to ensure everyone’s safety.
It should be noted the approximate stage time for Chic is 9.30pm, so there should still be plenty of time to access The Venue for the concert via the Peace Bridge after the bridge has reopened.
Car Parking
Ample car parking will be available at the Foyleside East until 11.30pm and West Car Parks until 10.00pm, Quayside Car Park will remain open until 10.00pm. Additional car parking will be available at Foyle Road, Magee Campus (Lawrence Hill), Strand Road, Victoria Market, Society Street, Bishop Street, Carlisle Road and William Street.
On the Waterside, carparks are available at Alfred Street, Bond’s Hill, Distillery Brae, Spencer Road and Waterside Health Centre.
In addition this year. the Park and Ride at Fort George will be in operation for the Halloween Carnival from 5.30pm until 9.30pm.
An area will be reserved at the front of the DRD’s Strand Road car park, permitting limited disabled parking from which occupants will be able to view the parade and fireworks.
Blue Badge holders are also advised to use available public, disabled car parking spaces. Drivers are reminded to avoid parking anywhere where they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access.
The DRD car parks at Queen’s Quay and Foyle Street will be closed all day.
Public Transport
Where possible, the public are strongly advised to use the public transport system or to consider walking to the event.
Details of all buses can be found by visiting www.translink.co.uk/Routes-and-Timetables .
Arrival Drop-Off Locations
In order to avoid traffic congestion the drop off point has been identified as the entrance to Custom House Street.
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