Grand Prix Traffic and Transit Modifications for Wednesday, August 31

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Traffic Advisory

Contact: Adrienne Barnes
             Kathy Chopper
             (410) 361-9296

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, August 30, 2011

 

Grand Prix Downtown Traffic and Transit Impacts For

Wednesday, August 31

 

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation would like to advise motorists of the traffic modifications that will be implemented for the 2011 Inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix race. The streetscape of downtown Baltimore is being transformed in preparation for the three day “Festival of Speed” taking place Labor Day weekend on September 02-04, 2011.

 

In preparation for the race, modifications to traffic and transit routes will be necessary in the downtown business district. Starting on Monday, August 29, 2011 after 7:30 p.m., road closures will begin on some of the race route roadways. As the week progresses, additional closures along the course will be implemented. Then by Thursday, September 01, 2011, all roadways along the race route will be closed to through traffic.

 

The Department of Transportation advises motorists to know the road closures and plan ahead, use alternate routes, expect delays, and allow additional travel time to reach downtown destinations. All roadways are expected to be reopened to traffic by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 06, 2011. For additional traffic information and maps detailing the Grand Prix closings, visit www.gptraffic.com.

 

The following roadways will be closed on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 after 7:30 p.m.:

 

  • Pratt Street between Calvert and South Streets –Two-way local access will be maintained from South Street to the road closure near Calvert Street throughout the event period.
  • Pratt Street between Penn and Paca Streets – Access to Pratt Street will be eliminated during the event between Paca and Calvert Streets, but access from Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to the closure near Paca Street will be allowed. Two-way traffic will be allowed between Penn and Paca Streets.
  • Conway Street between Howard and Light Streets
  • Sharp Street at Conway Street – Access to Conway Street will be eliminated during the event, but local access will be maintained from Sharp Street to the south.
  • Lee Street between Light and Charles Streets – Access to/from Light Street will be eliminated during the event, but two-way traffic will be maintained from Charles Street eastward to the closure near Light Street to accommodate local access.
  • Hughes Street between Charles and Light Streets – Westbound traffic flow along Hughes Street will be reversed to one-way eastbound. Traffic exiting Hughes Street will have to turn right onto Light Street.
  • Camden Street between Eutaw and Howard Streets – Access to Howard Street will be eliminated during the event, but local access will be maintained via Eutaw Street nightly.
  • I-395 / Howard Street between Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Pratt Street – This stretch of roadway will initially close Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. It will temporarily reopen Thursday morning for northbound traffic only from 6:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and then it will close throughout the event period.
  • Greene Street / southbound Russell Street at Washington Boulevard – Motorists will be diverted onto Washington Boulevard after 8:00 p.m. Local controlled access will be maintained.

 

 

The following roadways remain closed in preparation for the race:

 

  • Hanover Street at Pratt Street
  • Hopkins Place at Pratt Street
  • Eutaw Street between Pratt and Lombard Streets - This roadway will reopen on Wednesday evening to accommodate hotel access, but will close again Friday morning. Nightly openings will occur Friday through Sunday.
  • Charles Street between Pratt and Lombard Streets - Access to Pratt Street will be eliminated during the event, but local access will be maintained from Lombard Street to the road closure near Pratt Street throughout the event period. In the evening, Charles Street will be reopened to provide two-way controlled traffic access between Lombard and Lee Streets.
  • Charles Street between Conway and Lee Streets – Access to Conway Street will be eliminated during the event, but local access will be maintained from Lee Street to the road closure near Conway Street throughout the event period. There will be no daytime access to Charles Street between Conway and Pratt Streets throughout the event. In the evening, Charles Street will be reopened to provide two-way controlled traffic access between Lombard and Lee Streets.
  • Sharp Street between Pratt and Conway Streets – Access to Conway Street from the south will be maintained until Wednesday evening.
  • Camden Street at Paca Street - Access to Paca Street will be eliminated during the event, but local access will be maintained. 

 

In addition to the road closures listed above, transit operations will also be modified starting on Wednesday, August 31, 2011.

 

Transit Information:

 

Transit passengers are encouraged to use the Metro Subway and Light Rail for the easiest commute downtown. All MTA passengers should plan ahead, as the installation and design of the Grand Prix race course will have an impact on MTA service from August 31-September 5. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 6:00 a.m. For additional transit information, visit the MTA website at http://www.mta.maryland.govTransit passengers are strongly encouraged to check the MTA website for up-to-date service information.

 

Local Bus

 

Local bus service will begin operating a diversion schedule on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. Affected Local Bus routes include Nos.1, 3, 3X, 5, 7, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 20, 23, 27, 30, 35, 40, 46, 61, 64, 120 and 160.

 

Commuter Bus

 

Affected Commuter Bus routes include Nos. 320, 410, 411 and 420.

 

Light Rail

 

To accommodate the race track design, northbound Light Rail service will terminate at the Hamburg Street stop, with southbound service terminating at Baltimore Street beginning Thursday, September 1. Shuttle buses will operate between the Hamburg Street Light Rail stop and Baltimore Street.

 

Metro Subway

 

The Metro Subway service will not be affected by the race. Citizens are strongly encouraged to use the Metro to get to downtown destinations.

 

Charm City Circulator

 

The Charm City Circulator Orange Route will run its usual course; however the Pratt Street stops are being relocated to Baltimore Street starting at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. In addition, the Purple Route will be split into two separate routes, including Penn Station to Lombard Street on the northern half and Federal Hill to Ostend Street on the southern side. For additional information about the Charm City Circulator, visit www.charmcitycirculator.com.

 

Pedestrian and Bicycle Access:

 

The full track circuit will be closed to vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Inner Harbor Promenade to bypass the track area.

 

 

 

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation:

“Keeping Baltimore Moving Safely”

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