Private boaters headed for the Three Rivers Regatta should be aware that special river closures will be in effect throughout the July Fourth weekend.

River closure for all water activities will begin at the Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street) to the Heinz Field Quay on the Allegheny River:

Friday: Noon-9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mooring of boats is prohibited on both sides of the Allegheny River at all times during the river closures.

For fireworks on Saturday, the closure will be expanded, from the Andy Warhol Bridge on the Allegheny River to the West End Bridge and from the Fort Pitt Bridge on the Monongahela River to the West End Bridge.

Regatta organizers say all recreational boats are welcome to enjoy a great view of the regatta's water activities and are asked to be courteous of other boaters and adhere to the standard rules set by the U.S. Coast Guard. Boaters should also respect the City of Pittsburgh River Rescue, Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission and additional safety boats that will be in the water.

For additional information or questions regarding river closures and times, visit the U.S. Coast Guard Web site, http://homeport.uscg.mil/pittsburgh, and click on 2009 Marine Event Calendar.