Pine Bluff, Arkansas – The Pine Bluff Police Department is encouraging residents and visitors to exercise “patience and caution” as the city prepares for the highly anticipated University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Homecoming weekend. The annual event, which draws thousands of attendees, is expected to create significant traffic congestion throughout the city on Saturday, October 11.
To help manage the crowds and ensure community safety, more than 140 officers will be patrolling Pine Bluff. This includes personnel from the Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Arkansas State Police. Their presence will be particularly focused on traffic flow and pedestrian safety around UAPB’s campus and parade route.
Post-Game Traffic Changes on University Avenue
Following the conclusion of the UAPB Homecoming football game, which is expected to end between 5:30 and 6 p.m., a major traffic shift will be implemented. “All traffic on University Avenue will temporarily be restricted to southbound travel only.” This change is aimed at helping the large number of vehicles exit the area more smoothly.
Barricades will be placed at the following intersections:
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Front Street and University
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Front Street and Ash Street
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University and Pullen
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Pullen and Ash
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Pullen and Willow
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Pullen and LA Prexy
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University and Scull
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University and Vaugine
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University and Saracen
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University and King
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University and Bell
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University and Reed
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University and Fluker
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University and Reeker
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John Kennedy Drive
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University and Watson Boulevard North
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University and Watson Boulevard South
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University and Collegiate
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University and Oliver
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University and McFadden
Southbound traffic will continue along University Avenue until it reaches Martha Mitchell Expressway, where drivers will be directed east or west to exit the area efficiently.
Parade Route and Morning Road Closures
Earlier in the day, traffic disruptions will begin with the UAPB Homecoming Parade. The route will begin at 15th and Main, head north on Main to 6th Street, then travel east to Convention Center Drive before moving south toward the east side of the Civic Center, where it will disperse.
Parade lineup starts at 8 a.m., and by 9:30 a.m., barricades will be in place at 15th and Main. Additional barrels and barricades will be set at the following locations:
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14th through 8th and Main
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6th and Main
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6th and State
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6th and Alabama
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6th and Georgia
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6th and Convention Center
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5th and Convention Center
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9th, 10th, and 11th at Convention Center
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10th and State
Pine, Chestnut, and Walnut Streets between Olive and Main will also be blocked with barricades and tape.
Community Asked to Plan Ahead
Police are urging everyone planning to attend the festivities to allow for extra travel time and respect all barricades and traffic instructions. With high attendance expected and numerous road closures in place, the public’s cooperation is essential for a safe and enjoyable weekend.
