Obama in Baltimore: City of Baltimore Announces Traffic Advisory for President-Elect’s Visit to Baltimore
(BALTIMORE - January 16, 2009) – Mayor Sheila Dixon and the Baltimore City Department of Transportation announced street closures and parking restrictions for President Elect Barack Obama’s visit to Baltimore on Saturday, January 17, 2009 on the steps of the War Memorial Building across from City Hall. Extremely large crowds are anticipated.
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has been notified and will divert bus routes around the perimeters of the event. MTA will not enter areas bounded by MLK Boulevard, Broadway, Madison Avenue and Lombard Street affecting 18 bus routes. For additional information call MTA at (410) 539-5000.
There will be multiple road closures, so considerable traffic should be expected. In addition, several parking garages close to the event location will not be accessible. As a result, attendees are strongly encouraged to use alternative forms of transportation such as the Metro Subway, Light Rail or MTA Buses. Metro riders should use the Charles Center Station, which is located a short distance from the entrance to the event area. The Shot Tower Station will be closed until the event concludes.
All attendees must enter the War Memorial Plaza area at the Baltimore Street and Guilford Avenue entry point. Individuals who plan on driving to the event are encouraged to leave early and allow for extra travel time. Drivers are also encouraged to enter the city from the south, southeast or southwest directions.
Parking is available at the stadium lots and other garages generally west of St. Paul and Light Streets. Bicycle parking will be provided at the surface parking lot at Light and Redwood Streets. The ADA drop-off point to the event will be at Calvert and Redwood Streets.
Parking will be restricted in most areas around the event. Variable Message Signs (VMS) cones and barriers will be posted around the perimeters of the event to alerts motorist of the modifications. Cars will be relocated to the Edison Parking Lot at Fallsway and High Street. If your car has been towed, call 311 or simply proceed to the Fallsway Edison Lot. Please follow the parking restrictions and traffic modifications.
The following parking restrictions will be in affect beginning Saturday, January 17, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
- St Paul Street from Mt. Royal Avenue to Saratoga Streets.;
- Calvert Street from Biddle Street to Mt. Royal Avenue;
- Guilford Avenue from Biddle Street to Mt. Royal Avenue;
- The following streets between Calvert and Charles Streets:
Preston, Biddle, Chase, Eager, Read, Madison, Monument, Centre, Franklin, Mulberry, Pleasant and Saratoga Streets.
The following streets will be closed on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 4:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
- I-83 northbound will be closed from President/Lombard Streets to North Avenue;
- I-83 southbound will be closed at North Avenue
- All streets bounded by St. Paul Street, Lombard Street, The Fallsway/Front Street and Bath Street. The streets surrounding the Main Post Office will also be closed, but public access to the Post Office will be maintained from the east via Fayette Street and Colvin Street
The following street will be closed at 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p,m,
- Orleans Street from Gay to St. Paul Streets
Additional Department of Transportation Traffic Advisories can be found at www.baltimorecity.gov.
Mayor Dixon Announces Overflow Location for Saturday
Mayor Sheila Dixon announced yesterday that the Inner Harbor Amphitheater and an area in front of the National Aquarium in Baltimore are overflow sites for residents and visitors to watch live on large video screens of President-Elect Barack Obama’s official visit to Baltimore on Saturday, January 17 at 4:15 p.m.
“Everyone is excited about the arrival of President-Elect Obama,” said Mayor Dixon. “By opening the Inner Harbor, we will allow many more people to take part in this historic event.”
The Inner Harbor Amphitheater is located at Pratt & Light streets, and the National Aquarium in Baltimore is located at Pratt & Gay streets.
In addition, Harborplace & the Gallery will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for guests to warm up and grab hot beverages and snacks for sale.
Everyone is encouraged to arrive early and take public transportation. Inner Harbor attractions will open for families to enjoy.
Temperatures on the afternoon of January 17 are expected to be well below freezing. Individuals planning on attending the event are strongly advised to wear clothing appropriate for spending hours in cold weather. In severely cold weather, children, seniors and those with disabilities are more vulnerable to hypothermia. They should be monitored closely.
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