New Website Warns Of Street Closures For Grand Prix Preps
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Preparations for the Baltimore Grand Prix are moving full speed ahead. That means drivers will face more detours and road closures.
Adam May has more on the extensive traffic plans for downtown.
Monday, the city unveiled a new website to keep drivers informed as construction ramps up.
This weekend's Indy car race in Toronto gives you an idea of what the streets of downtown Baltimore will look like by Labor Day weekend. Road construction is moving into high gear, prompting the meeting of numerous transportation agencies revealing detailed plans for road closures and detours.
"If residents, workers and visitors plan ahead and use the tools we provide, they'll be able to go where they need to go," said Jamie Kendrick, Baltimore Department of Transportation.
Right now, lanes are closed on Light Street between Key Highway and Pratt. In two weeks, construction will start on the grandstand and race walls.
One taxi driver says the inconvenience now will be worth it.
"More visitors, more good for us," he said.
We found other drivers stuck in the construction traffic who didn't mind.
"I really love auto sports and I really think this is a good thing, good for the town," said one driver.
"It's gonna be the benefit of Baltimore City so we have to bear with it a little bit," said another.
Road construction alone will cost $5.5 million. Planners say it's on schedule.
"We've looked at the track and the folks from Indy Car have looked at the track," said Jay Davidson, President of Baltimore Race Development. "And they're very impressed with the work that's been done to date."
Permanent road closures for the race start Aug. 29. From then until the race, 24 bus routes will also be affected. Information will be posted at bus stops and online.
For a detailed look at the road closures expected during the race, click here.
