News From the Department
Park and Ride Plan Announced for Pepsi Americas’ Sail
For more information, contact Fay Mitchell Henderson at (919) 807-7389
BEAUFORT (June 9) – Visitors to Beaufort, North Carolina State Port in Morehead City, and the Olde Beaufort Seaport at Gallants Channel during Pepsi Americas’ Sail Tall Ships events will find an array of free shuttles and connectors to get them to their destinations. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources announced detailed transportation plans for the maritime celebration of ships, arts and music to a crowd of 150 at a community meeting Thursday evening in Beaufort.
Free shuttles will run continuously July 1-4 from five satellite Park and Ride Lots. These lots are located in Newport, Morehead City and Beaufort along highways 70 and 101. This will allow drivers to avoid traffic congestion. A fleet of air conditioned buses will provide transportation from Park and Ride Lots to the three event venues designated by the Pepsi Americas’ Sail committee: Downtown Beaufort, Olde Beaufort Seaport at Gallants Channel, and the North Carolina State Port in Morehead City. Lift-equipped vehicles will be available for those who need them.
“Highway 70 and all other roads will be wide open,” said Beaufort Chief of Police Steve Lewis. “Only about a three-block area in downtown Beaufort will be closed to traffic,” said Lewis.
For public safety, there will be no public parking at the North Carolina State Port or Olde Beaufort Seaport at Gallants Channel. Parking will be limited in downtown Beaufort. Visitors should allow sufficient time to use the free event transportation.
“We intend to provide an efficient and comfortable experience for visitors and residents,” said Kim Sawyer of the Department of Cultural Resources. “We want it to be easy, and I strongly encourage visitors and Carteret County residents to use these shuttles. It will be comfortable, relaxing, cool, fun, and quick,” Sawyer said.
Park and Ride Lots will open at 8 a.m. July 1 and July 4, and at 9 a.m. on July 2 and 3. Lots close at midnight each day. The first shuttle service each day will begin 30 minutes after lots open; the last returning shuttle service will be at 11:30 p.m.
Free shuttles will also run from the Firehouse Transportation HUB in downtown Beaufort, corner of Cedar and Hedrick streets, to the North Carolina State Ports and Olde Beaufort Seaport at Gallants Channel.Hours of service will be the same as those for the daily Park and Ride Shuttles.
Safety concerns led Pepsi Americas’ Sail law enforcement to prohibit certain items aboard the shuttles or in secured areas. These include coolers, alcohol, backpacks, weapons/explosives, laptop computers, glass containers, bicycles, pets, luggage, skateboards/skates, umbrellas, large bags and briefcases. Permitted items that may be searched by law enforcement include strollers, small diaper bags, cameras, binoculars (without cases), small purses and service animals.
“It’s not that often that the Ports Authority has the opportunity to give back to the community, and we’re very honored to do this,” said N.C. State Ports Chief of Police Doug Campen.
To board and view the Tall Ships at the Port Authority, visitors must have a ticket and must pass through security. “If you have been on an airplane recently, you will know what to expect,” Campen continued.
With summer temperatures in the 80s and 90s, lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors also are advised to drink plenty of water or other liquids. Updates will be posted at www.pepsiamericassail.com.
The only roads that will be closed in Beaufort will be: the 300, 400 & 500 blocks of Front Street; the 100 block of Turner Street; the 100 block of Craven Street; the 300 block of Gordon Street (next to the Fire Department); and the west end of West Beaufort Road beginning at Turner Street. Limited parking will be available on Front Street from Queen Street to Live Oak Street and Orange to Moore.
Park and Ride Lots
Will allow drivers to park and ride and avoid the traffic congestion. Lots will have portable lights and restroom facilities. They will have priority parking for people with limited mobility but who are still able to board and ride buses.
Special assisted services will be provided for people who need a lift equipped vehicle. People who can board non lift equipped vehicles are encouraged to do so.
OPERATING HOURS OF THE PARK AND RIDE LOTS:
Saturday July 1 8 a.m. - midnight
Sunday July 2 9 a.m. - midnight
Monday July 3 9 a.m. - midnight
Tuesday July 4 8 a.m. - midnight
PARK AND RIDE Shuttle Schedule:
Saturday July 1 8:30 a.m. - 11:30p.m.
Sunday July 2 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Monday July 3 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday July 4 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION OF PARK AND RIDE LOTS:
- Green Lot: Newport Middle School ( 500 East Chatham Street, Newport)
- Yellow Lots: West Carteret High School ( 4700 Country Club Road, Morehead) City) and Glad Tidings Church ( 4621 Country Club Road, Morehead City)
- Blue Lot: Hwy 70 E (Beaufort)
- Red Lot: Highway 101 (Beaufort)
- Gold Sponsor Lot: Calvary Baptist Church ( 119 Bunch Road, Beaufort - parking permits required)
About Pepsi Americas’ Sail 2006
Pepsi Americas’ Sail, a maritime festival showcasing tall ships, will be held June 30 – July 5 in Beaufort and Morehead City, N.C. The festival will provide visitors with the unique opportunity to tour majestic tall ships and interact with their crews. Special events include a Parade of Sail, a 15-mile regatta along the shores of Atlantic Beach, and a spectacular Fourth of July parade, concert and fireworks celebration. Throughout the week, the Beaufort waterfront will host free and ticketed entertainment and activities. For more information, visit www.pepsiamericassail.com. The festival will benefit the N.C. Maritime, part of the Division of State History Museums in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources .
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