Harkening back to a tradition of old, Seattle Police plan to enforce some July 4th traffic rules that will affect West Seattle residents and other celebrants who flock to the Alki and North Admiral areas hoping for a good view of fireworks.

"Increased vehicle traffic on the holiday has become a hazard for emergency resources," says Lt. Norm James of the Southwest Precinct. "Most spectators are well behaved, but the occasional large crowd disturbance does require a fast response."

So beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4th, and running through the evening's fireworks festivities, vehicle access to Harbor Avenue and Alki will be limited to residents and their guests. (Both should be prepared to present ID or provide a specific address they're in route to.) More specifically, vehicles will be prevented from entering the following areas:

- All of Harbor Avenue, from Spokane Street to Duwamish Head.

- California Avenue Southwest north of Hamilton Viewpoint.

- From Admiral Way to Southwest 63rd, along Lander Street and north to the water (as well as the side streets that have access to Alki)

Lt. James says that though vehicles will be blocked, citizens can, of course, park elsewhere and walk (bicycle/rollerblade/skateboard) or take Metro to access the restricted areas.

James, a 38-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department, says that the restrictions aren't new but have simply been reinstated after a hiatus of several years.

Megan Sheppard may be reached at wseditor@robinsonnews.com