Cruisers and revelers during the Salem Super Cruise can expect to see an increased police presence watching for speeders, tire peelers and reckless drivers on foot, on bike and in patrol cars.
"We'll be here to try to make sure everybody stays safe," Salem Police Chief Bob Floor said.
Besides the department's full-time officers, the law enforcement presence will include Salem's auxiliary police officers, two officers from the Sheriff's Office patrolling on bicycles with Salem officers on bicycles and troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol watching the outskirts and in town in their vehicles.
Floor said the bike patrols will feature teams of two, with one officer from Salem and one from the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office does not get paid by the city of Salem for being here. "They volunteer to help us and we're more than happy to have the help," he said.
Floor reminded residents and motorists that anyone traveling through the city tonight, Friday night and Saturday night can expect traffic delays, especially on State Street. He suggested motorists who want to avoid the congestion should use the state Route 45/U.S. Route 62 bypass to get around the west side of town and East Third Street and East Pershing Street to get around the east side of town.
In a press release, he said during the Cruise-In Car Parade which begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, the following streets will be closed from 5:45 until the parade ends around 6:45 p.m.: East and West State Street from Jennings Avenue to South Lincoln Avenue; South Lincoln Avenue from East State Street to East Pershing Street; and East Pershing Street from South Lincoln Avenue to South Lundy Avenue.
Floor said they'll be enforcing a no tolerance policy for peeling tires, loading diesel smoke, reckless operation and speeding, noting that people who want to peel their tires can take advantage of the popular Burn-Out Pit at Stadium GM from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
He also said people need to keep in mind that the cruise is a family event and people will be standing close to the street to watch the cars so they should take extra care while driving.
He said officers will also watch for people drinking alcoholic beverages outside of designated areas. He said some businesses and private clubs secured temporary licenses to be able to serve beer outside on private property.
No open containers will be allowed in public areas, including the show lots.
Mary Ann Greier can be reached at mgreier@salemnews.net
