BLINK, one of most anticipated events of the year, returns to Cincinnati Oct. 10-13. The four-night art and light fest will span 30 city blocks through Over-the-Rhine, downtown and — new this year — across an illuminated Roebling Bridge into Covington, transforming the cities into an interactive glowing adventure.
Due to the walkable nature of the festival, the city will be closing/rerouting certain roads "to support the anticipated influx of visitors and the safety of pedestrians," BLINK's website explains.
Festgoers can expect evening road closures at some of the primary and side streets in Cincinnati's urban core, in addition to a few blocks which will be closed for the duration of the event. There will be a few major north-south and east-west streets open to traffic with police assistance, including Liberty Street, Central Parkway and Third and Second streets in Cincinnati.
"Please note that local access will be allowed for residents and businesses at every closure. Law enforcement officials will be stationed throughout the festival area to help maintain safety, direct pedestrians and keep traffic moving," the site reads.
The event kicks off on Thursday, Oct. 10 with a parade, during which Vine Street will be closed off for motor traffic from 7-11 p.m. between Eighth Street and Freedom Way, between Race and Walnut streets. The Banks will be closed at Freedom Way and Joe Nuxhall Way and the Roebling Bridge will be pedestrian only as well.
For the remainder of the weekend, many of the roads throughout the city's core will be closed to automobile traffic, some during the evening portion of the event (7-11 p.m.) and some alleys closed for the entire weekend.
Logan, Jackson and (a portion of) Court streets will be closed throughout the weekend to motor traffic and will be utilized as public hospitality areas. The Banks will also be reserved for pedestrian traffic only during the event.
Below is a full map of the Cincinnati road closures:
In Covington, officials have announced the following closures:
- The Roebling Bridge will be closed starting "at 7 p.m. to until 10 p.m. Monday," but it will still be open to pedestrians and Oggo e-shuttles.
- RiverCenter Boulevard from Scott Street to the Embassy Suites valet (just west of Madison Avenue) will be closed from 4 p.m.-midnight Thursday through Sunday.
- Seventh Street between Madison Avenue and Washington Street also will be closed from 4 p.m.-midnight Thursday through Sunday. Traffic on Seventh during the daylight hours will be limited to one lane, and the "alcove" on the southern side of the street will be closed off during the entire four days.
For more info about the event, visit blinkcincinnati.com.
