Bonnaroo opens today

Organizers, law officers say they're ready to welcome crowds

The 10,000 or so residents of Manchester, Tenn., are about to be overwhelmed with the 80,000-strong Bonnaroo nation as the ninth annual music and arts festival gets under way.

Officials say they are ready.

Gates are to open at 7 a.m. today, and Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely said TDOT has been fine-tuning the traffic plan along with the Manchester Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Coffee County Sheriff's Office.

"Planning ahead for the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is critical because of its effect on area traffic," Mr. Nicely said in a news release.

"In recent years, our coordinated plan has worked very well to minimize the impact to travelers while safely getting festivalgoers into and out of the Bonnaroo site, and we expect the same results this year," he said.

2009 Bonnaroo moving violations* 74: Speeding* 41: Other non-moving* 41: Safety belts* 19: Driver license law* 18: Registration* 4: Driving under the influence* 5: Disregarding signal/sign controls* 5: Misdemeanor drug* 3: Other moving* 3: Revoked/suspended driver licenses* 2: Reckless driving* 1: Open container law* 1: Child passenger restraintSource: Tennessee Highway Patrol

The festival has been called "one of the 50 moments that changed rock 'n' roll" by Rolling Stone magazine.

In recent years, TDOT's traffic plan has included moving all Bonnaroo traffic to the shoulder along Interstate 24, leaving the two primary lanes open for through traffic.

"Many Tennessee state troopers will be working around the clock to make sure that I-24 stays clear and accident-free for both travelers and festivalgoers," said Tennessee Highway Patrol Col. Mike Walker. "We will be vigilantly enforcing traffic laws while assisting TDOT, local law enforcement and festival organizers in effectively dealing with the increased traffic volume."

Festival co-producer Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment -- Superfly is the other co-producer -- said things are ready at the 700-acre festival site, as well.

"I feel like one needs to be cautious in talking about how smoothly things are going, but we are benefiting from having an extremely experienced team," he said.

"It is a pretty well-oiled machine. One always has to be prepared for anything, but it is running smoother than ever. We are at the point of, as far of traffic and security, just tweaking and honing."

Since the majority of the property used for the festival was purchased four years ago, permanent infrastructure such as roads and electricity have been added. This year, crews built a permanent structure that will serve as the main stage.

Mr. Capps said plans always have been to use the site for other events throughout the year, and these changes get owners closer to being able to do that.

"There continues to be a lot of discussion in that direction," he said.

Follow this link to full Bonnaroo coverage.

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