This year’s Main Street Live summer concert series will include eight bands and one street closure.

From approximately 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday nights from June 8 through July 27, McMinnville Public Works Department will place barriers blocking traffic where West Main Street and Morrison Street converge. Motorists will be directed through West Colville Street to prevent traffic from passing Security Federal Savings Bank, the location of the music venue.

According to Public Works assistant director Brad Hennessee, TDOT is taking a neutral stance in the city’s request to close the street. The state is neither approving nor rejecting the request.

“The state reviewed it and didn’t see any better alternative,” said Hennessee of the street closure request. “It’s the normal procedure. They won’t specifically grant permission for a municipality to block a state road but it’s implied that as long as the city accepts the responsibility and follows the state’s manual on traffic control devices, it is allowed. They are aware it is eight consecutive Friday nights, and no one had any concerns for the plans.”

Consideration was given to reducing traffic to one lane – the center lane – as a way to improve safety for the popular event. While Alderman Ben Newman suggested that measure as a way to improve safety for event-goers crossing the street in that area, Alderman Steve Harvey recommended a complete street closure.