Traffic flow on Cypress Creek Bridge will temporarily reverse following Smithfield’s fireworks on July 2.

The 1975 bridge that connects Downtown Smithfield with the east end of town has been restricted since January of last year to a single westbound lane with eastbound traffic diverted to the Route 10 Bypass via Main and Grace streets to accommodate a nearly two-year rehabilitation expected to be completed this fall. On July 2 at the conclusion of the town’s 9:30 p.m. fireworks display, the bridge will switch to one-way eastbound traffic to allow spectators two options for leaving downtown.

“We will be reversing the flow of traffic again as we did last year,” Town Manager Michael Stallings said. “The reversal will only last as long as needed, approximately 30 minutes based off last year.” 

The town previously reversed the traffic flow on the bridge on Dec. 14 following the Smithfield Christmas Parade.

Smithfield’s Independence Day festivities will kick off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at the 1750 Isle of Wight Courthouse at 130 Main St. at 7 p.m.

The fireworks display will shoot off from Clontz Park with good viewing from the Smithfield Station restaurant and marina and all along the Pagan River.

The Cypress Creek Bridge will not be open to foot traffic this year due to the rehabilitation, which includes underwater pile repairs, the demolition and replacement of 18 spans, the repainting of steel beams and replacing the bridge’s sidewalk and barriers. The Virginia Department of Transportation stopped allowing pedestrians to use the bridge’s sidewalk in February.

Smithfield’s American Legion Post 49 will allow parking in its lot at 818 S. Church St. for those wanting to view the fireworks from the south side. The lot will open at 7 p.m. A $5 donation is requested.