The Golden Gate Bridge, used by more than 100,000 vehicles a day on average, will be closed for a fireworks display to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding on July 4.
The explosives will be launched about 9:30 p.m. from the bridge’s towers and two barges in the bay below as a welcome to tourists. It’s only the third display from the span in its nearly 90-year history, the mayor’s office said Monday.
“The Golden Gate Bridge is as iconic as any landmark in the United States, so it’s an ideal place to launch fireworks,” Lurie said in a statement. “If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate July Fourth, there’s nowhere better than the city with the most beautiful parks, the best restaurants, and the most dynamic arts and culture.”
The location replaces a waterfront event along the Embarcadero that typically draws an estimated 200,000 spectators near the Ferry Building and Pier 39. Recommended viewing locations include Crissy Field, Marina Green and along Pier 39 or the block bounded by The Embarcadero, Jefferson Street and Taylor Street.
Parking lots at Marina Green and Crissy Field will be closed from 6 a.m. on July 4 until 6 a.m. on July 5.
Ocean Beach is not a recommended viewing location because fireworks are launching from the east side of the bridge, according to the mayor’s office.
The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic starting about 8:30 p.m. The east sidewalk will be closed between the two towers from 5 a.m. on Friday, July 3, until 5 a.m. Sunday, July 5, to allow for pyrotechnic staging and removal.
The west sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the bridge during regular hours on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m., the city said.
All parking lots at the south end of the bridge will be closed Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Motorists are encouraged bypass the bridge by using the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
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