The Fairwell Festival drew thousands of attendees over its 3-day duration, offering an exciting lineup of over 35 bands performing across three stages. Last year’s Fairwell Festival faced significant traffic issues, causing delays and congestion that frustrated many attendees. Lancaster Mobley was hired this year to develop a traffic control plan aimed at preventing a repeat of those problems. Through strategic measures like improved signage, designated no parking zones, and efficient pedestrian walkways, the festival experience was vastly improved for all.
Melissa Webb, PE, was lucky enough to get some tickets to the festival and give us a tour of all the final product!
Airport Way No Parking & No Parking Signage
To prevent parking along Airport Way, cones and “no parking” signs were strategically placed along the length of the roadway near the fairgrounds. This measure was crucial in keeping the area clear for emergency vehicles and maintaining a smooth flow of traffic.
Festival Entrance
Thousands of concert-goers attended the festival, enjoying a variety of performances and activities. The large number of attendees required careful planning to manage both vehicle and pedestrian traffic efficiently.
Stage 1 & Stage 2
With over 35 bands performing on three stages, the festival was a hub of musical excitement. Efficient traffic management ensured that attendees could easily move between stages and enjoy their favorite acts.
Tent Camping
To minimize egress times for patrons at the end of each day, the festival offered overnight car camping at the fairgrounds. This allowed attendees to return to their vehicles or tents rather than exiting the fairgrounds immediately after the shows.
US97 Signage
Variable Message Signs were placed at multiple locations along US 97 to alert drivers of the partial closure of SW Airport Way during festival egress times. These signs played a crucial role in directing traffic and preventing congestion during the late evening and early morning hours.
Pedestrian Walkway
Patrons parked in areas west of the fairgrounds and walked along SW Yew Ave/SW Airport Way to access the event. A temporary pedestrian walkway was constructed to help manage the flow of pedestrians, particularly at the end of the day when large groups were walking back to their vehicles.
Through these strategic measures, Lancaster Mobley enhanced the overall festival experience, ensuring safety and efficiency for everyone!
Thanks a million to our wonderful Bend office head, Melissa Webb, PE!
