Travel Alert: Streets in Rockford Closing for 4th of July Festivities

Several major streets in and around downtown Rockford will be closed well before the 4th of July Fireworks show on Thursday night, with some closed beginning right after sunrise.

RELATED: Rockford Area Ultimate 4th of July Event Guide

According to a press release from the City of Rockford, events begin at 7 am Thursday (7/4) with the Lifescape 4th of July Classic 5K that will begin on Madison under the Jefferson Street Bridge near the Trolley Station.

Madison Street will be closed from 6 am to 10 am on July 4 from E. State Street north to Y Blvd for the race.

Streets Will Close for July 4th Parade in Rockford

Rockford's 4th of July parade begins at 5 pm, but streets and bridges will begin to close for that event around 11 am, beginning with the Morgan St. bridge, followed by the Chestnut St. bridge.

By 3 pm on July 4, expect Charles/State St. on the east, Jefferson St. on the north, Church St. on the west, and Morgan St. on the south to be completely closed to vehicle traffic.

Avoid Downtown Rockford to Avoid Traffic Delays

There will be traffic control at major intersections along the parade route at 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th Streets to allow periodic vehicle traffic crossing. Still, you should choose an alternate route around the parade area to avoid lengthy delays.

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The Jefferson Street Bridge will be open throughout the 4th of July events for travel into the west side of downtown, and Main St. will be completely open after the parade for north/south travel.

Which Bridges Best for Fireworks in Downtown Rockford?

Fireworks viewing will be allowed from the Morgan St. Bridge, the 2 southern lanes of the Chestnut Street Bridge, and the State St. Bridge following the completion of the parade.

Rockford Police urge all residents coming into the city for fireworks to be patient after the show ends, with heavy congestion through downtown and neighborhood streets expected.

For more about Rockford's 4th of July events, CLICK HERE.