Morning News Blog

I'm back to the blog, and just in time for G-20.

The restrictions that downtown workers (at least, the ones that have to work) are facing are pretty daunting.  The thought that many of us will be working in what will effectively be a ghost town isn't the problem.  The problem, of course, is trying to get into that ghost town!

Knowledge will be the key.  As your friendly traffic guy, I'll be on top of everything G-20 traffic related over the next two days.  If you haven't planned out your routine, you have 24 hours to make it happen.

These particular restrictions start tonight after 11 P.M., and continue until about 4 P.M. on Friday.

Just remember the basics:

IF YOU'RE DRIVING:

• The only authorized entry points into the immediate downtown area will be set up at the Clemente Bridge, the Smithfield Street Bridge, and Fifth Avenue near Grant Street.
• Unless you live downtown and have a license to prove it, you will NOT be able to drive into the Golden Triangle.
• Interstates/Parkways will remain open -- but they're subject to rolling closures, especially tomorrow starting around 8 A.M.!

IF YOU'RE TAKING THE BUS OR MASS TRANSIT:

• No trolley service into downtown beyond First Avenue.  You'll have to transfer to a 33X bus.  (more at http://www.portauthority.org)
• All bus routes will run, although the stops will differ from normal.  Again, more information on the Port Authoirty website, with specific details on how it affects each and every route.

Here's a little tidbit of traffic trivia for you:  the Rivers Casino will open the top floor of its massive parking garage to commuter traffic -- provided you're in place by 9 A.M.

GETTING AROUND:  Traffic Safety Plan |  Road Closures |  Parking Detours |  River Closures |  Map |  Port Authority Detours, Route Changes |