Laguna gets ready for the Fourth

Laguna Beach will be closing some areas and opening an additional route out of town in anticipation of large crowds during its Fourth of July celebration.

The city’s fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. at Monument Point in Heisler Park, but preparations will start earlier in the day, according to a news release.

The Monument Point area will be closed all day, while the area of Heisler Park from the Rock Bench at Myrtle Street to the Rockpile Beach stairs at Jasmine Street will be closed to the public beginning at noon to allow for the fireworks setup.

City trolleys will run on a modified schedule — from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. — and the Pavilions center parking lot at 600 N. Coast Hwy. will be closed to the public all day.

Free public parking in a designated portion of the Pavilions lot will be offered fom July 5 to the end of the summer festival season.

City park and beach rules prohibit alcohol, smoking, tents, canopies, barbecues and fireworks.

Laguna Beach police and fire officials will be strictly enforcing the fireworks prohibition.

In addition, dogs are not allowed on city beaches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer season, June 15 through Sept. 10.

Traffic is expected to be heavy immediately following the fireworks show as visitors leave on Laguna Canyon Road and Coast Highway. The center lane of Laguna Canyon Road, between Canyon Acres Drive and El Toro Road, will be converted to an additional northbound traffic lane for a time to help with traffic flow, according to the release.

— Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce