Big events in Richland mean big traffic headaches. When to steer clear of GWay?
Richland officials are advising motorists to steer clear of George Washington Way and related roads during Cool Desert Nights and the Richland Regatta, both taking place this weekend.
Cool Desert Nights is a classic car show that kicks off Friday with a party, car cruise and concerts.
It continues all day Saturday at the Uptown Shopping Center.
The Richland Regatta is a hydroplane boat race on the Columbia River with events on Saturday and Sunday.
Cool Desert Nights
Cool Desert Nights kicks off at 5:30 p.m, Friday, with Party in the Park at John Dam Plaza, a 6 p.m. cruise, a post-cruise concert and a full day of classic car events at Uptown Shopping Center on Saturday.
Friday road closures
Temporary closures will be in place between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. to accommodate the cruise, concert and related events.
- George Washington Way between Knight and Symons streets
- Swift Boulevard between George Washington Way and Jadwin Avenue
- Jadwin Avenue between swift Boulevard and Knight Street
- Knight Street between Jadwin Avenue and George Washington Way.
Saturday road closures
George Washington Way closes from 4 a.m. to 4 p.m. between Symons Street and Williams Boulevard.
Sections of the Uptown parking lot will also be closed to non-Cool Desert Nights vehicles. Vehicles on the property after 4 a.m. will be towed.
Richland Regatta closures
Portions of the riverfront trail and nearby roadways will close during the boat races on the Columbia River.
Trails and boat ramps will be closed to the public.
The racecourse area will close to boats between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. both days.