July 4 street closings, DUI patrols announced

Staff Reports
Published: July 3, 2008

The Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office will deploy additional patrols this weekend targeting motorists who are driving under the influence, a spokesman announced today.

Officers will also be on the lookout for aggressive drivers and other traffic offenses, said Sgt. Jim Fox.

“Too many people still don’t understand that alcohol, drugs and driving don’t mix,” said Sheriff Jim Branch. “Impaired driving is no accident, nor is it a victimless crime. Too many lives are being lost and we need everyone’s help to stop it,” Branch said.

Eighteen people died in traffic crashes last year during the July 4 weekend, according to the Virginia State Police.

Police announce street closings, parking restrictions

The Culpeper Police Department has also announced the following street closings and parking restrictions due to the Fourth of July festivities. Police said signs will be posted and the parking regulations will be towing enforced.

- At 4 a.m., the Yowell Meadow Park parking lot along Blue Ridge Avenue and East Davis Street will be closed for allow vendor setup and the car show. Both parking lots will be closed until the early morning of July 5.

- From 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Friday, the 100 and 200 blocks of East Davis Street will be closed for the car show and there will be no parking along Davis during this time. The parking lot at the intersection of Commerce and Davis streets will also be closed.

- From 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Blue Ridge Avenue will be closed to through traffic for the 5K race. Traffic will be rerouted onto West Street during the event.

- From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Piedmont Street from Main Street to Old Brandy Road and around to Wine Street and Main from Piedmont to Mason streets will be closed for the parade. Old Brandy Road from the town access road to Piedmont Street will also be closed to traffic.

- At 3 p.m., Blue Ridge Avenue, from Sperryville Pike to Scanlon Street will be closed to all traf-fic due to festivities in Yowell Meadow Park. This portion of Blue Ridge will not reopen until the fireworks are over. Chandler Street will also be closed.