Here's what to know about July 4 Golden Gate Bridge fireworks for America's 250th
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thousands of people are expected to flock to San Francisco's waterfront Saturday for a once-in-a-generation fireworks display celebrating America's 250th birthday.
The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.
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The Golden Gate Bridge will serve as the centerpiece of the celebration, with fireworks launching from both of the bridge's towers and from barges on San Francisco Bay.
The event marks only the third time in the bridge's history that fireworks have been launched directly from the iconic span.
The last bridge-based fireworks show was held in 2012 during celebrations marking the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary.
Here's what to know if you are planning to watch the fireworks celebrations.
Where to watch
Spectators will have several prime viewing locations.
- Crissy Field
- Marina Green
- Baker Beach
- Aquatic Park
- Pier 39
Street Closures
To accommodate the fireworks display, all routes leading to the Golden Gate Bridge will begin closing between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday.
The bridge itself will be closed to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will also implement street closures north of Bay Street and advises attendees to be prepared for additional walking.
Temporary street closures and restrictions will be in effect from 1-11 p.m. along Jefferson Street between Hyde Street and The Embarcadero. Streets closest to Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina District will be restricted to local access in the evening.
Public transport
Transit agencies are advising the public of changes in service during the federal holiday that people are encouraged to plan ahead for.
BART will be operating Sunday service schedules. Five-line service will operate until 8 p.m. and then switch to three-line service after. The agency said extra trains may be added in case of crowding after fireworks.
Muni said July 4 is one of the busiest days of the year along the city's waterfront, and is encouraging people to use transit, walk, or bike to avoid heavy traffic in the Marina District and Presidio neighborhoods.
Muni will run Marina fireworks shuttles from 4-11:30 p.m. that will service areas around the Powell and Embarcadero BART stations in downtown San Francisco and make stops en route to the viewing areas.
Caltrain will operate a regular weekend schedule on the Fourth of July. People are encouraged to arrive in the Downtown San Francisco Fourth and King station and transfer onto Muni services to make their way over to the fireworks show along the waterfront.
Other transit agencies will have limited service in recognition of the federal holiday.
San Francisco Bay Ferry vessels will operate on weekend service, with no service operating on the Alameda Seaplane, Harbor Bay or South San Francisco routes.
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District will operate on Sunday schedules Friday while regular Saturday service will remain on the Fourth of July.
Traffic delays expected
The California Highway Patrol is urging people to arrive early, warning that travel near the bridge will become increasingly difficult as crowds build ahead of the 9:30 p.m. showtime.
"If you want to watch the show and have the best seat, you need to get there early and prepare, trying to drive down between 8 and 9 pm is going to be tough," said Lt. Erik Egide from the California Highway Patrol.
Public safety agencies will be operating with increased staffing levels, and San Francisco Police are warning visitors to expect significant traffic delays throughout the evening.
"We want everyone to be patient," said SFPD Chief Derrick Lew.
Despite the expected crowds and traffic, many residents say the historic celebration is worth the effort for a rare opportunity to see fireworks launched from one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
Bay City News contributed to this story.
