Friday, March 29, 2024

Stars and Stripes Safety and Traffic Information

Stars and Stripes Southlake is right around the corner. Monday, July 3, is just a few weeks away and we’d like to take some time to share some traffic, parking and safety tips with people before they arrive in Town Square for the event.

As with every year, safety and security is the top priority. The City of Southlake has gone to great measures to make sure all families attending the event have a safe and perfect experience.

“In light of recent events, I want to reassure people that the Southlake Police Department has a carefully laid out security plan in place to safeguard all families during this year’s event,” said Police Chief James Brandon. “As a reminder, while at the festivities please be aware of your surroundings. If anything causes you concern, our officers can be found throughout the event. Our primary goal is to make Stars and Stripes a safe place to enjoy the holiday for your family.”

New this year, the City will be using the Waze traffic app to help drivers manage traffic during the event. But before you come to the event, here are some important safety and mobility tips to keep in mind:

Take the shuttle to avoid traffic and parking around Town Square

Shuttle Service: We are providing a shuttle service to and from the event.  The shuttle will be running from 3:30 p.m. to 11:55 p.m., and the pickup/drop off locations will be located at Whites Chapel United Methodist Church at 185 S. White Chapel Boulevard, and Gateway Church at 700 Blessed Way.

The pickup/drop off location in Town Square will be located on Division and State Streets next to DPS Headquarters.

Drop off area: There will be a family drop off at DPS Headquarters near the shuttle drop off. Please have your passengers ready to exit the vehicle when it comes to a stop. This will help alleviate traffic congestion. Drivers who are planning to use Southlake Blvd. to get home need to be aware that they will not be allowed to access Carroll Avenue towards S.H. 114.

Traffic officers will be in the area to make sure that drivers are following the plan so that everyone gets in and out of Town Square safely and with as little delay as possible.

The maps can be found below.

If you’re driving and planning to park in the area, take note of the suggestions below

Granite Parking Garage: Parking will be available after 6:00 p.m. in the new Granite parking garage located on the north side of Town Square.  The garage can be accessed on Division Street, the road that runs along the south side of DPS HQ, then will be directed northbound on State Street to turn into the parking garage. Just follow the signs that will guide you into the Granite parking garage.

Entrance via S.H. 114: Take the Carroll Avenue exit of S.H. 114.  Access is available on North Carroll Avenue at Federal Way and Prospect Street, between S.H. 114 and Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709). Drivers may also access Town Square from the eastbound service road of S.H. 114 at Grand Avenue and Central Avenue. It’s important to note that there will be no southbound traffic allowed from the north parking lots. All traffic will exit to the service road. Also, no parking will be allowed on the grassy areas next to the service road. “No Parking” signs will be posted and enforced.

Entrance via Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709): You may either turn north on Carroll Avenue to park on the west side of Town Square; use Central Avenue to access the east side of the Square; or use the east parking garage. **Please make a note that the west parking garage will be closed for the event.

At the end of the Stars and Stripes event: All traffic on the west side of Town Square will exit (right-turn only) onto Carroll Avenue heading northbound. There will be NO southbound traffic out of the Square allowed onto Carroll Avenue.

All traffic on the east side of the Square from Main Street, will exit onto Central Avenue southbound.  All exits from the east garage will be directed to Central Avenue to go north to the S.H. 114 service road to exit the Square. **The west side exits to the east garage will be closed.

Handicapped Parking in Town Square

Drivers can enter from either Prospect Street/Carroll Avenue or Central Avenue /Southlake Blvd (F.M. 1709). to access the handicapped parking along Main Street. Handicapped Parking will be available on Main Street by Starbucks and Mi Cocina. Please be aware that the entrance at Carroll Avenue /Main Street will be designated for exit only.

Not parking in Town Square?  

Lighted Crosswalks will be available and manned by Southlake Officers at the following locations:

  • Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709) and Central Avenue
  • Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709) and Carroll Avenue
  • North Carroll Avenue and Prospect Street
  • North Carroll Avenue and Federal WayIf parking on the side streets off of Carroll Avenue, please remember to follow these important rules
  • To ensure everyone makes it home safely, it is imperative that everyone uses the designated crosswalks. Crossing Southlake Blvd. (F.M. 1709) on foot from the Central Market area is very dangerous and PROHIBITED!  Bike Officers will be patrolling the area and will take appropriate enforcement action for your safety.
  • Park facing the correct way and no more than 18” from the curb.
  • Do not block driveways or park in someone’s yard.
  • Make sure your vehicle is not in the intersection; it will be towed.
  • Be courteous to the neighborhood.Access to Town Square before the eventFor more information about Stars and Stripes Southlake please visit www.StarsandStripesSouthlake.com
  • The City of Southlake hopes everyone will join us for another exciting family event in Town Square. See you at the 19th Annual Stars and Stripes event!
  • Barricades will go up early in the morning on July 3rd. The interior roads of Town Square will not be accessible by vehicle. Please plan accordingly. The parking lots and east garage will be open *until full. As the lots and garage become full, they will be closed. All parking lots with the exception of the lots north of the Hilton will close no later than 7:30 p.m. There will be barricades for the duration of the event preventing traffic from traveling north on Central Avenue past Main Street.
  • And most of all, WATCH FOR PEDESTRIANS! Citizens on Patrol (COPs) volunteers will also be on hand to assist pedestrians in major crosswalks and to help ensure the safety of all attendees.
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