The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Poplar Bluff Business Airport both handled an influx of traffic this week as thousands of spectators flooded to Rock the Country.
MHSP was out in force to help direct traffic for Rock the Country last weekend. Public information officer Sgt. Clark Parrott explained between 20 and 28 troopers were out on the roads depending on time of day and traffic density. Estimates range up to 40,000 attendees, but he confirmed there were no accidents resulting from the concert.
“I wish every event could go the way that event was,” Parrott stated.
Troopers utilized a helicopter to monitor the flow on County Routes 484 and 461 so they could redirect vehicles. Parrott remarked the crowd was overwhelmingly supportive of the MSHP and many offered troopers water amid the heat.
“It was amazing,” he said.
The traffic plan was the culmination of six weeks of preparation and coordination with event staff.
“They had everything covered except five inches of rain,” Parrott remarked. He remained optimistic about next year’s event and looked forward to working with Rock the Country in the future.
Meanwhile, Airport Director Gary Pride, the airport hosted a 200% spike in traffic over the weekend.
“Personal, corporate, charter, and entertainers’ aircraft frequented the airport with passengers and fuel sales,” Pride noted.
The facility extended hours from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. to handle the volume.