Cities Close Streets for Halloween Events

Cities across the U.S. are imposing downtown street closures and safety measures for Halloween as large parades and local events draw crowds and prompt traffic advisories. Austin police will close Sixth Street between Red River and San Jacinto from 7 p.m. Oct. 31 to 4 a.m. Nov. 1 and are holding a noon news conference with safety tips for trick-or-treaters and 6th Street visitors. New York’s Village Halloween Parade is expected to draw more than 50,000 participants and spectators, prompting large closures in Greenwich Village and warnings to avoid driving below 23rd Street. Smaller municipalities are also restricting traffic: Jonesboro will close several downtown streets on Oct. 29 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the Police Department’s annual Trunk or Treat block party, which includes games, candy, food and hayrides, and officials are monitoring rain forecasts; Bakersfield will close Truxtun Avenue and Eye Street for a BPD Halloween event. Haddonfield canceled its annual Halloween parade because of forecasts for heavy rain, high winds and possible thunderstorms. Separately, Boise police are responding to an active incident at South 11th Street and West Myrtle Street reported around 4:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and have asked the public to avoid the area; motorists everywhere are advised to expect delays, follow police directions, and be aware that other events—such as a Halloween Fun Day at California Country Park—have already caused double parking, congestion and parking citations.