Stop building it, and they will come – at least that's what DART officials are hoping for the impending green line to Fair Park.

The agency plans to ward off traffic angst and gridlock during this year's State Fair by halting construction of the line near the fairgrounds. The transport system will run a shuttle bus from downtown's Pearl Station to cut back on parking woes.

It also will increase the number of trains and buses during the football frenzy weekends.

"This year you can look at our light rail on display at the fair," said DART president Gary Thomas, "and next year you can ride it."

He plans to have two light rail stops up in Fair Park by Sept. 14, 2009, just in time for next year's fair.

In the meantime, police have simple advice for those in their cars: Arrive early.

Officials encourage visitors to park in the larger southern and eastern lots and to use exit 49 off Interstate 30 on Dolphin Road if coming from the east and 48B/Munger Boulevard if arriving from the west.

An extra contingent of officers will help facilitate the traffic madness, said Dallas Deputy Police Chief Tom Lawrence. Chief Lawrence declined to name the number of officers stationed at the fair but said they would be found around every corner.

Driving upheavals may pose the greatest visitor vexation. The State Fair has seen a decrease in crime in the past three years, Chief Lawrence said, including a 5 percent decline last year. Of the 60 offenses reported last year, most included stolen purses and petty theft, he said.

In terms of the rides, the most dangerous aspect of this year's State Fair may be the sudden remnants of someone else's lunch.

"The Texas State Fair has the highest standards in the country and no one can touch it," said Dan Dudley, the fair's safety inspector who has monitored fairs in 48 states. The real fear, he said, is the Viper, one of a handful of new rides. "It turns you one way then spins you around on the other. It could be a puker."