Hoan to close ahead of lakefront fireworks

The Hoan Bridge will be closed Tuesday night in preparation for that night’s fireworks show at Milwaukee’s lakefront, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s office announced Monday afternoon.

The closing is one among several measures being implemented in anticipation of heavy traffic during the Fourth of July celebrations.

“We want all people to safely enjoy the lakefront and the fireworks,” Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt said at a press conference Monday afternoon. “The Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office will have a large presence to assist you and help you enjoy the events the next several days.”

The I-794 northbound lanes of the Hoan Bridge will be closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, while all lanes of traffic will be shut down by 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks show is scheduled to begin. The bridge will reopen after the fireworks display.

To alleviate traffic congestion, southbound lanes will be open. Westbound Michigan and Clybourn streets will be closed to vehicle traffic after the fireworks. The eastbound I-794 lane at the Marquette Interchange will be closed to traffic, except for buses.

Once all lots are full, Lincoln Memorial Drive will be closed down. In the past, this has taken place as early as 5 p.m. Parking lots at Veterans Park will open to the public at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Overnight parking will not be allowed.