Downtown parking goes smoothly for conference

"We anticipate between 6,000 cars coming and going at any time downtown during conference," Roberts said.

Police officers trying to direct traffic along North Temple in front of the Conference Center tried to liven up rain-soaked conferencegoers as they waited to cross the street by having crowds shout happy birthday wishes and by telling jokes.

"We like to enjoy our job," Salt Lake Police Lt. Rusty Isakson said. "The streets here are not designed for the influx of people into the city; it's up to us to direct (them)."

Roberts advises conferencegoers to avoid State Street, North Temple and West Temple at all costs and to try and remain on the peripheral of Temple Square. Roberts also suggested carpooling and utilizing public transportation to get downtown.

"Come early," Roberts said. "There is no reason why people can't spend time on Temple Square. It will save a lot of pain and suffering if you do."

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E-mail: nhale@desnews.com