Friday, September 21, 2012

Downtown traffic and parking for Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival

As the community welcomes residents and visitors for the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival Sept. 21-22, city officials offer advice for those coming to or passing through the downtown area. The patience of citizens and business owners is appreciated.

Closed Streets
The following streets will be closed starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, through 4 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23.
  • Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets between Broadway and Locust Street
  • Seventh Street between Cherry and Elm streets
  • Cherry Street between Fourth and Seventh streets
  • Locust Street between Sixth and Eighth streets
  • Elm Street between Sixth and Eighth streets

Alternative Routes

Northbound and southbound traffic seeking east/west routes will be directed to Rollins, Broadway, Walnut and Ash. Eastbound and westbound traffic seeking north/south routes will be directed to Providence, Ninth, 10th, Hitt and College.

Barricades
Streets with barricades will be manned by volunteers to assist visitors.

Parking
During festival hours, free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all city garages, lots and at parking meters on open streets. City parking garages are located at:

  • Tenth and Cherry
  • Eighth and Cherry
  • Sixth and Cherry - Locust Street entrance only, with additional designated accessible parking on the first level.
  • Fifth and Walnut
  • Eighth and Walnut
  • Hitt Street garage

Festival hours run from 5-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, and from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. Those who hold city parking permits are not guaranteed a space during the festival.

Parking is also available at the university's Hitt Street garage. Bike parking is available at Shakespeare's Pizza on the corner of Ninth and Elm streets. 

Vehicles will be subject to towing and city parking enforcement under the following conditions: when it's a matter of public safety, fire safety or hazardous conditions, such as blocking an entrance or exit; when a street is closed; or when a "no parking" notice is posted on meters or other areas. 

FastCAT Express
FastCAT, Columbia Transit's express route through downtown, will run a detoured route during the festival. It has several stops near city and university parking garages and a temporary festival stop on the corner of 7th and Cherry Street. Regular fare rates of $1.50 per ride apply. Exact change is needed as drivers cannot give change. For more information, visit ridefastcat.com.