Maryland Capitol Police advises motorists of upcoming Grand Prix 2013 – Traffic Impact for Downtown Baltimore.
The street scape of downtown Baltimore has been transformed into a 2-mile street course for the event which takes place Labor Day weekend on August 30 through September 01, 2013.
In preparation for the festivities, modifications to traffic and transit routes will be necessary in the downtown business district. Starting on Monday, August 26, 2013 after 9:00 p.m., street closures will begin on some of the race roadways. As the week progresses, additional closures along the course will be implemented. Then on Thursday, August 29, 2013, all roadways along the race route will be closed to traffic throughout the day.
On Thursday, August 29, 2013 significant delays can be expected when heading into the city, particularly from the south. Motorists are strongly encouraged to plan alternate routes via the north, east or west. Startingon Thursday evening and continuing throughout the weekend, downtown traffic will lighten significantly and citizens are encouraged to enjoy all the festivities and venues that downtown Baltimore has to offer.
Motorists headed for downtown destinations should know the road closures and plan ahead, use alternate routes, and allow additional travel time. Although detours will be in place along the race route, downtown Baltimore and the surrounding neighborhoods will be accessible and open for business. For additional traffic information and maps detailing the 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore closings, visit www.gptraffic.com. All roadways are expected to be reopened to traffic by 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 03, 2013.
Motorists should be advised that all parking restrictions and residential permit parking regulations in the downtown area will be strictly enforced. Patrons choosing to drive to the event should park at commercial lots and avoid area neighborhoods. There is plenty of accessible parking downtown within close proximity to the Grand Prix festivities and area venues. Parking Control Agents will enforce all posted parking restrictions and vehicles parked in violation will be ticketed and towed. Citizens with questions concerning the location of their vehicle should call 311. Patrons attending the race who have not purchased parking passes are strongly encouraged to use public transportation including mass transit, light rail, the metro subway or the Charm City Circulator.
The following roadways will close on Monday, August 26, 2013 after 9:00 p.m.:
Sharp Street between Pratt and Conway Streets
Hopkins Place between Pratt and Lombard Streets – Access to Pratt Street will be eliminated during the event, but two-way local access will be maintained from Lombard Street to the road closure near Pratt Street throughout the event period.
Hanover Street between Pratt and Lombard Streets – Access to Pratt Street will be eliminated during the event, but two-way local access will be maintained from Lombard Street to the road closure near Pratt Street throughout the event period.
Maryland Stadium Authority Service Drive between Russell Street and the light rail crossing will close at 11:00 p.m. and reopen at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday.
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.
In preparation for the event, transit operations will also be modified:
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 of the Grand Prix race course will have an impact on MTA service starting at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2013. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. For additional transit information, visit the MTA website athttp://www.mta.maryland.gov.
Local Bus
The 2013 Grand Prix of Baltimore will have an impact on local MTA bus service with diversions in the downtown area. Local bus routes that will be diverted Monday, August 26, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. until Tuesday, September 03, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. include numbers 3 and 3X.
Additional bus routes that will be diverted Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 3:00 a.m. until Tuesday, September 03, 2013 at 6:00 a.m. include numbers 1, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 19, 23, 27, 30, 35, 36, 46, 61, 64, 120 and 160.
Commuter Bus
Affected Commuter Bus routes include numbers 310, 320, 410, 411 and 420.
Light Rail
Light Rail service will be suspended between the Baltimore Street and Hamburg Street stops from Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 3:00 a.m. until Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 5:00 a.m. Free shuttle buses will operate between the Baltimore Street and Hamburg Street stops.
Metro Subway
The MTA 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 will run revised Orange, Purple and Banner routes from Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 6:30 a.m. through Monday, September 02, 2013 at 9:00 p.m. For revised route information and modifications to operating times during the race, visit www.charmcitycirculator.com.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Access:
Starting at 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 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 to the east, and the west sidewalk of Greene Street to circumvent the track on the west side of the circuit.
Safety Coalition
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.
217 North Charles Street, Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21201
GoDowntownBaltimore.com
GetAroundDowntownBaltimore.com
For full details, view this message on the web.