NIAGARA FALLS — Falls Police Capt. John DeMarco had very specific advise for folks who are expected to flock to the Falls on Friday for Nik   Wallenda’s historic walk.

“Come early and plan to stay late,” DeMarco said.

And he wasn’t kidding. Local, state and federal law enforcement and transportation officials preached to reporters on Tuesday   that getting around during the Wallenda event will require some patience and some planning.

“Don’t let the traffic scare you from coming,” Falls Police Traffic Division Capt. Salvatore Pino said. “We will have the   friendliest police officers you’ve ever met on every corner and they will get you to where you need to go.”

The city’s top traffic cop said there are about 2,000 available parking spaces, on the street and in private parking lots,   that are within a short distance of the Wallenda walk venue at Terrapin Point. He estimated the furthest distance anyone might   need to walk to reach the park at less than a mile.

“As the parking fills up, we will close down some streets so we don’t have drivers riding aimlessly through areas where there   is no available parking,” Pino said. “As we determine the lots are filled, we’ll start to barricade the streets and as they   open up, the barricades will be taken down.”

To encourage people to come into the South End early on Friday, and take advantage of available street parking, the city’s   two hour limit on street parking will be suspended.

“We want people to come early and enjoy themselves,” Pino said.

Pino said he believes the city parking and additional parking attached to the state park, on Goat Island and near the park   entrance will be able to accomodate the crowds looking to watch the falls high wire walk.

Much like city police, New York State Park Police say they will close Goat Island to vehicular traffic when the roughly 600   spaces available there are filled.

“We expect the island will fill up quickly and then we will close the island,” State Park Police Major David Page said.

Page said pedestrian traffic onto to the island will be monitored and stressed that only people with event vouchers will be   able to reach Terrapin Point.

“Only those people who have vouchers will be able to come into the venue area,” Page said.

No coolers, food or beverages will be permitted in the venue area, though lawn chairs and blankets will be allowed. Page suggested   that people also prepare for the falls’ legendary mist.

“It will be a wet event,” Page said.

The Park Police major said inside the Terrapin Point venue, spectators will not be able to press up against the safety railing.   A secondary safety barrier will be set up to create an eight foot buffer between the crowd and the brink of Terrapin Point.

“It will be a great event, it will be a safe event,” Page said. “You’re going to enjoy it.”

Representatives from the New York State Department of Transportation said folks bound for the Falls should expect heavy traffic   congestion on Interstate 190 between the South Grand Island Bridge toll booths and Exit 23, Niagara Falls Boulevard and Exit   22, the Robert Moses Parkway.

“Motorists attending the event should allow additional travel time.” DOT spokeswomen Susan Surdej said. “Travelers should   pay attention to message signs that will provide information on alternate routes to avoid delays.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials suggested that travelers make use of the Peace Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston   Bridge to avoid the Rainbow Bridge, which is expected to see that greatest amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic before,   during and after the event.

“Extra staffing will be in place at all the border crossings,” CPB Public Affairs Officer Thomas Rusert said. “And the hours   of operation at the Whirlpool Bridge (a NEXUS only border crossing) will be extended from 11 p.m. (Friday) to 2 a.m. (Saturday).”

Rusert also said no viewing of the walk will be allowed by motorists or pedestrians on the Rainbow Bridge.

“We will keep both (pedestrian and vehicle traffic) moving,” he said.

Representatives from Niagara USA said parking, with shuttle service, will also be available beginning at 5 p.m. from parking   lots B1, B2, and C at the New York State Power Vista on Lewiston Road, along with some available, paid, parking at the Buffalo   Coach Lines lot at 13th Street and Buffalo Avenue.

Page said that, outside of the Terrapin Point venue, viewing of the walk from the state park will be limited.

“From Prospect Point, there will be some visibility for the walk,” he said. “The Maid of the Mist will make its last run at   8 p.m. and there will be a jumbotron at the Cave of the Winds. The observation deck will be open to a small group of people.”

Page also said an additional cell phone tower has been put in place on Goat Island so that spectators will be able to use   their mobile devices.

Outside the park, Falls police said they will have a dedicated detail of officers assigned to the Wallenda walk.

“We will run our regular compliment of (patrol) officers in the city, with back-up available from the Niagara County Sheriff   and the New York State Police,” DeMarco said. “Then we’ll have another 40 (patrol and traffic) officers around the state park,   along with sheriff’s deputies and Border Patrol officers.

“This is an international event,” DeMarco said, “but there is no significant threat level that we have been made aware of.”

Pino estimates it will take awhile, after the event ends, to clear the South End traffic. He said officers will direct motorists   to the major roads out of town, Interstate 190 and Niagara Falls Boulevard.

The traffic captain stressed that visitors should shut-off their GPS systems and follow the directions of officers.

“I’m asking you to turn off your Garmin and listen to the officers,” Pino said. “When the officer tells you which direction   to go in, you shouldn’t have any problems.”