Nahant to impose traffic changes for Fourth

NAHANT – This year the Fourth of July fireworks (Friday at 9 p.m.) are being set off from Bailey’s Hill not Short Beach, which means a lot of changes for residents and public safety officials alike.Police Lt. Thomas F. Hutton said the change in venue would mean new road closures and parking restrictions.”There will be a lot of road closures and detours going into the Bass Point area starting at approximately 4 p.m. through the conclusion of the fireworks,” he said. “Residents should expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”Hutton said from 4 p.m. until the end of the fireworks traffic on Gardiner, Bass Point and Tri-Mountain roads would be made one way.He said parking on those three streets would be allowed on the non-ocean side of the road only.”We will have tow trucks in town to enforce parking,” he said. “These restrictions are in effect for public safety reasons and will be strictly enforced.Hutton added the parking lot on Tri-Mountain Road will also be closed.Fire Lt. Edward Hyde said the size of perimeter is determined by the length of the shells.”This year they are shooting 12-inch shells,” he said. “So the Bailey’s Hill area will be restricted.”Hutton said the entire Bailey’s Hill area would be closed to the public once the fireworks perimeters have been established.”Absolutely no one will be allowed on those hills,” he said. “The entire area around the gazebo will be shut down as well. There will be a strong police presence to keep everyone off the hills.”Harbormaster Jim Ward said there would be a security zone on the water.”There will be a zone we’ll be keeping boats away from during the fireworks,” he said. “It will be a small security zone about halfway between the Town Wharf and Bailey’s Hill. It’s a small security zone for boater safety. It will go out on the marine radio broadcast and we’ll have a boat on site to keep other boaters at a proper distance.”Hyde said the Fire Department would have firefighting apparatus and emergency vehicles stationed at Bailey’s Hill and several other key areas in town.Hutton added parking would be would be extremely restricted and violators would be ticketed and towed.”Parking in that area is very tough,” he said. “People should walk if at all possible.”Despite the changes in logistics due the venue change, Hutton said public safety officials are prepared.Hutton said the best viewing for the fireworks would be from the Nahant Town Wharf, Tudor Beach and the waterfront in the vicinity of Willow Road.He added there will be zero tolerance for public drinking and fires are not allowed on the beach.