By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The city is closing down additional lanes of traffic Saturday for Stroll on State as an added precaution after the driver of an SUV plowed through a holiday parade Sunday in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

“The safety of attendees has always been and will continue to be a top priority at Stroll on State,” the city said Tuesday in a news release. “In light of recent events and in addition to the many layers of security already in place, the Rockford Fire and Police departments have added additional road closures.”

Chestnut Street west of the Rock River and Walnut Street east of the river will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Alternative routes will be posted.

An emergency lane marked off by security barricades will be in place on East and West State Street between Church Street and North Second Street.

“The Stroll parade will move through the barricades and later during the event pedestrians will be able to walk in this lane and cross freely across State Street, and the lane will be available to emergency vehicles should the need arise,” the city said.

The announcement was made after six people were killed Sunday and roughly 50 others were injured after a man driving an SUV hit onlookers and parade participants on Sunday in Waukesha.

Stroll on State is scheduled to run from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.