As July 4 celebrations near, officials in Tampa are giving a heads-up to drivers about heavy weekend traffic, especially since the Liberty by the Bay event will be hosted in the city.

If you’re planning on traveling to Tampa over the weekend or joining the Liberty by the Bay celebration, make sure you give yourself enough time, since officials say some roads will be closed on July 4 in downtown.

“Drivers should allow extra time for travel and be prepared for large crowds of pedestrians and visitors,” Tampa officials said.

Tampa officials said drivers should follow all posted detours, since from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday, the following streets will be closed:

Laurel Street, which will close from N. Boulevard to Doyle Carlton Drive

Green Street, which will close from N. Boulevard to Laurel Street

Additionally, officials say, heavy traffic will be expected around other 4th of July event sites, including Sparkman Wharf, Victory Ship, Jackson’s, Armature Works and other popular destinations.

If you are heading to Liberty by the Bay, and you’re coming from municipalities or counties west of Tampa, officials say you should consider using Doyle Carlton Drive to N. Highland Avenue to E. Palm Avenue to N. Boulevard as an alternate route around the street closures.

To learn more about the Liberty by the Bay event, visit the city’s website.

Mass transit options

Officials are also reminding the public that if you want an easier way to move around in Tampa, you can ride the free Jolley Trolley. The city will operate three free Jolley Trolley shuttles throughout downtown from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Jolley Trolley shuttle stops include:

Marion Transit Center, 1211 N. Marion St.

Fort Brooke Garage, 107 N. Franklin St.

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Tampa St.

Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Blvd.

Beyond the trolley, officials say visitors can use the free TECO Line Streetcar System, which connects Ybor City and downtown. Visitors can also use rideshare services to move around.

Parking options

For parking options, Tampa officials say these include multiple parking garages throughout downtown and say there will be limited on-site parking at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.

Officials add that the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Recreation Center, located at 1301 N. Blvd, and the Julian B. Lane South Parking Lot, located at 903 W. Cypress St., will have limited ADA parking.

You can learn more about parking options here, and you can stay up to date regarding road closures that can impact your commute on the City of Tampa’s website or with the 10 Tampa Bay News app, which is free to use and download.