Grand Prix Turning Into Traffic Nightmare In Downtown Baltimore
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- The Baltimore Grand Prix is turning into a traffic nightmare for downtown drivers. Many roads are now closed in preparation for the race.
Weijia Jiang has more on the Grand Prix's impact on local drivers.
So many people say they cannot believe in just a few days, race cars are going to zoom through these streets at 200 mph, because right now in so many directions, traffic is at a standstill.
Sky Eye Chopper 13 captured the chaos that is driving through the streets of downtown Baltimore.
"It's disgusting."
"There are more stops than go. I'm wasting a lot of gas just sitting here."
"It's been a nightmare. A lot of detours, a lot of delays, a lot of this."
That's what people are saying about traffic downtown. This is what happens when major arteries are completely blocked. Pratt and Conway Streets are shut down and I-395 will be closed Thursday night, all to make room for crews who are still building the Grand Prix track.
"It's absolutely insane down here. Absolutely insane," said another person.
Because whether you're ready or not, the city has become its own race course where no one seems to be winning. During the morning and lunch time rush hour, roads look more like parking lots. It's why some people were hours late for work.
"People need to go to work. This thing is really crazy," said another commuter.
Adding to the gridlock are Orioles fans who are trying to get to Camden Yards for an afternoon game which is already saturated with race teams getting ready.
Meanwhile, the transportation department is closely monitoring trouble spots, warning drivers they should expect to wait for the rest of the weekend.
"So we expect that they come tomorrow, so motorists see what's in place, that the congestion would be somewhat less than tomorrow but enough that people should plan in advance," a Maryland Transportation Department official said.
And just when you think the path is clear, think again. You may want to hold your skills to make it through this maze, even if it drives you...
"Crazy, crazy, crazy! I was so crazy! I was getting really crazy!" said another person.
That about sums it up. In fact, even some Orioles players had a hard time getting to the game. And even though there are officers at every major intersection, the city says you really have to plan ahead and to avoid downtown, if you can.
