‘Really kind of a cluster:’ Redmond revises weekend traffic plans after issues with last year’s FairWell Festival

(Update: adding video, comment from Redmond Mayor, Airport Director, past festival attendees)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With the second annual FairWell Festival returning to Redmond this weekend, many are reminded of the traffic issues and frustrations many experienced last year, especially as they tried to leave, and officials have been working to address and resolve the mishaps.

Hosted at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, many told NewsChannel 21 last year about having to wait anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours to leave the venue, the Deschutes County Fairgrounds.

Folks who attended the first festival may remember the long lines and wait times to leave each evening. Officials tell NewsChannel 21 they hope for a more seamless transportation experience this time.

"It took a while to leave, because it was like so many cars leaving at the same time," said Allen Ortiz, an attendee at last year's festival. He plans to go again this year, but he recommends hanging out for a bit until the initial surge of people leaving thins out.

NewsChannel 21 reported last year that it took folks anywhere from one to three hours just to get out of the parking lot.

Mayor Ed Fitch was blunt: "It was really kind of a cluster, to tell you the truth. I mean, people did not know where to go. There was kind of poor directions. Everyone's trying to get out at once and, you know, talking about tens of thousands of people, and it just didn't work."

City agencies from Public Works to the Police Department have been working together to ensure a better transportation system this year. They've created parking passes to limit the number of vehicles, added campgrounds and exit routes, increased traffic staff, and created a park-and-ride service, 

"Hopefully that crush of traffic, particularly after a main event, is not going to be as bad this year," Fitch said.

He also said he anticipates 20,000 to 30,000 people per day, so he encourages carpooling with a friend.

Not everyone had a bad experience at the inaugural event.

Festivalgoer Scott Lambert said, "We didn't have any problems. we carpooled with my neighbor, and we no jams at all."

Another problem the festival faced last year was traffic conflicts with travelers to and from the nearby Redmond Airport. This year, airport way will be closed and an alternate route will be set up.

Airport Director Zach Bass advised, "Take Veterans (Way) from the north way down to the terminal itself. We'll have signs out there that kind of depict that, and then as you're leaving the airport, you're going to kind of do the same thing."

The airport director says they are not unfamiliar with large events affecting traveling passengers. 

"Sometimes are situations where you need to kind of reroute for these big events," Bass said. "It's actually the exact same thing that occurs with the (Deschutes County( Fair, so we're really used to it. And I think once people see that signage, it'll be pretty painless for them."

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Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) Passengers Traveling July 19-21 Advised to Use SW Veterans Way

Redmond, OR - Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) passengers may need to allow more time when driving to the terminal due to a temporary closure of SW Airport Way July 19 to July 21, from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. each day. The closure of SW Airport Way, between 21st St. and 4th St., is necessary to mitigate increased traffic and FairWell Festival congestion near the Deschutes County Fair & Expo.

Travelers and visitors to RDM are advised to plan accordingly and use alternative routes, specifically SW Veterans Way, to access the airport from the north during this period. Signage and detour information will be provided to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize inconvenience.

Airport operations, including flight schedules and terminal services, will continue as usual. We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation during this time.

It is recommended that passengers arrive two hours prior to departure time. This provides adequate time to check luggage and go through TSA security checkpoint. All passengers must be at the boarding gate 15 minutes prior to departure or may be denied boarding. Please note, the airline check-in counters may close 45 minutes before departure.