July 4 fireworks traffic advisory

GAINESVILLE - Expect something new in North Hall this July 4: traffic delays on Cleveland Highway (U.S. 129 North) Friday night because of a fireworks show at Laurel Park.

It's the first year the annual American Legion-sponsored event has been held someplace other than the Legion, and the first time that traffic on a major state highway will be directly impacted.

Maj. Jeff Strickland of the Hall County Sheriff's Office says motorists should expect delays on Cleveland Highway from 7-11 Friday night. Sheriff's deputies will be "controlling traffic to assist motorists entering and exiting the park."

Laurel Park is located about a mile north of Longstreet Bridge. There are two entrances to the park from the highway which funnel into one two-lane road which ends in the park.

The annual fireworks show at Lake Lanier Islands is also expected to draw a huge crowd and result in traffic delays. Strickland says expect delays on Georgia 347, also known as the Friendship/Holiday Road corridor.