NASCAR street closures

Question

Can anyone provide info on exactly what all street closures will involve for the NASCAR race July 5-6? It looks like it is around Grant and Millenium Park. If we are staying north of the river like River North or Streeterville, will there be implications in that area? Will there be any public transportation changes we should factor in? Thanks!

Answer

The NASCAR street race in Chicago on July 5-6, 2024, is going to be a big event, and it will indeed impact a number of streets and public transportation in the area, particularly around Grant Park and Millennium Park. Here's an overview of what you can expect in terms of street closures, traffic disruptions, and public transit changes:

Street Closures: The race will be held on a temporary, purpose-built street course in the heart of downtown Chicago. The main streets affected will be in and around Grant Park, but they will have a ripple effect on the surrounding areas. Some of the key closures expected include:

Michigan Avenue – The section between Roosevelt Road and Randolph Street will likely be closed to vehicle traffic for several days before and after the event.
Columbus Drive – The stretch between Balbo Drive and Randolph Street will be closed during race times.
Balbo Drive – Will be closed to traffic during race days, as it runs near the race track and Grant Park.
Congress Parkway – There will likely be closures or detours around this area, especially at major intersections near the race course.
Randolph Street – Some sections of Randolph will be closed to allow for race logistics, including parking and support zones.
Other Nearby Streets: Additional streets close to Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Loop could also be partially closed or have restricted access for race safety and infrastructure, including parts of Wacker Drive, Roosevelt Road, and more.

Implications for Staying in River North or Streeterville: If you're staying in areas like River North or Streeterville, you will be relatively far from the core race zone around Grant Park. However, traffic congestion is likely to increase in those neighborhoods, especially if you're traveling south toward downtown or the race course. The closures won’t directly impact your ability to get around those areas, but they may affect how you access the Loop or Grant Park. Be prepared for:

Increased traffic around Michigan Avenue, especially if you're traveling south toward Grant Park.
Detours or delays around major intersections and roads connecting to the race course.
Possible parking issues as the city clears spaces for race-related infrastructure.

Public Transportation Changes: Public transportation will likely be impacted by the race as well. Here’s what you can expect:

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Buses: Some bus routes that typically travel through Grant Park and the Loop may be rerouted. Specific routes that go through Michigan Avenue or Balbo Drive may be diverted, and there could be delays in the area.
CTA Trains: The “L” trains should generally remain unaffected by the race itself, but stations near Grant Park (such as the State/Lake, Washington/Wells, or Monroe stops) may see more foot traffic and crowding, as people come and go from the event. The red and blue lines should be a reliable way to avoid street closures and reach your destination.
Divvy Bikes: If you’re using Divvy bikes, be mindful of the closed roads and detours, which may make it difficult to get around certain areas near Grant Park and Millennium Park.

Other Considerations: - Plan to give yourself extra time when traveling around downtown, as the event will draw large crowds, and there will be a lot of people commuting in and out of the race area. - Consider taking public transportation or walking from your hotel to avoid the hassle of traffic and limited parking. - Watch for additional announcements closer to the event for more specific road closure times and detour routes. The City of Chicago will likely provide updated maps of street closures as the race dates approach.

In summary, staying in River North or Streeterville should be fine for the most part, but just be prepared for some travel delays as race-related traffic and detours impact the flow of traffic into and out of the downtown area. Be sure to check for real-time traffic updates and public transit alerts leading up to the event.

NASCAR street closures

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