Commuters Navigate Downtown Streets As Major Arteries Close For Grand Prix Of Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Major road closures are now underway as the Grand Prix of Baltimore gets closer. This weekend, Indy cars will roar through the streets downtown and that means no access to some of Baltimore's major arteries for the next five days.

Kai Jackson has key information for commuters.

As downtown streets are transformed into a race course, there are several areas drivers want to avoid.

Labor Day has come early in Baltimore. It was heavy duty work installing concrete barriers for the Grand Prix, a race the city says will be much more business-friendly this year.

The construction might be inconvenient for drivers, so those planning on being in the city during the event are encouraged to plan ahead.

LINK: Traffic Map

"Thursday will be a little challenging. We're expecting traffic congestion to be basically in our morning rush hour and in our evening rush hour," said Adrienne Barnes, Baltimore Department of Transportation.

WJZ has already gotten several calls Thursday about traffic delays, especially on I-395. 

The course is just over two miles long and the city says there will be closures and limited access around it. Pratt, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Sharp, Camden, Conway and Paca are just some of the well-known streets that will be affected by the race.

"You have a lot of detours and it's very challenging but it's also exciting," said Deborah Jolley, who works downtown.

Supporters believe the race puts the city in the winner's circle economically. When the checkered flag is waved, number crunchers say the city and businesses will be pleased.

"It's significant and when I say significant, I mean it's a lot of zeroes. Hotel rooms, restaurants, fans buying--whether it's something for Camden Yards or something with the team," said Jason Altzman.

The Grand Prix of Baltimore will be this weekend.