COEUR d'ALENE — More than 30,000 people are expected to blanket downtown Coeur d'Alene Monday, celebrate Independence Day with parades and parties, then wrap up the festivities craning their necks skyward for the Fourth of July fireworks display.

Problem is, 30,000 people will try to leave downtown at the same time.

What’s a reveler to do?

"Be patient," advised Coeur d'Alene Police Department Lt. Jay Heintz. "When you have that number of people in the area trying to exit at once, it creates traffic jams throughout the city. Expect at least an hour delay and please, no drinking and driving."

Traffic control will begin on Friday, when kiddos take to the streets of Coeur d'Alene for a parade. According to law enforcement officials, Sherman Avenue will be closed from First Street to 11th Street from 9 a.m. until the parade ends around 10:30 a.m.

On Monday, Sherman Avenue will be closed from First Street to 23rd Street for the Fourth of July Parade. CDAPD Sgt. Eric Turrell told The Press he expects road closures to last from 9 a.m. until approximately 1 p.m.

"It could be a little longer; it just depends on when the parade is over," Turrell said.

Turrell added no parking is allowed on the parade route, and traffic control officers will be on hand to assist patrons getting to and from The Coeur d'Alene Resort at First Street.

"We'll get them across," Heintz said, adding the same arrangements for Resort visitors will be in place during the evening.

Beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, Heintz said Northwest Boulevard will be closed a block north of the U.S. 95 bridge. Law enforcement officers, he added, will block the off-ramp that goes southbound onto Northwest Boulevard.

All other road closures will begin at 9 p.m., Heintz said. The standard closure of Sherman Avenue will occur and Heintz recommended visitors enter Coeur d'Alene for the fireworks from southeast arterials and Government Way.

The newly constructed Memorial Field Parking Lot will be open on the Fourth of July from 8 a.m. until the end of the fireworks show. Heintz said the Fort Grounds area is a popular parking spot for visitors, who will exit the area from two points and be directed to either the inside or outside lane of Northwest Boulevard, depending on where they exit.