May 15, 2008

Charlotte, NC—As part of the Food Lion Speed Street festivities, some uptown streets will be closed from Wednesday, May 21 – Sunday, May 25 (early morning.)  Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes around the uptown area.  Those wishing to attend the event or needing to commute to the center city are strongly urged to ride the LYNX Blue Line Light Rail to the uptown area.   

Details of closings, times and event information can be found at www.600festival.com and on the attached pdf documents.  More details are as follows:

• Motorists should allow for additional commute time
• During weekday work hours, uptown workers arrive early and leave early if possible
• Commuters can access parking lots regularly before 9:00 a.m.
• Motorists should utilize II-277 loop/exit closest to their location
• Streets closed during festival hours:
  • Tryon Street between Third Street and Eighth Street
  • Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Streets between College and Church Streets
  • Eighth Street between College and Brevard Streets
  • College Street between Fifth and Ninth Streets
• Streets crossing uptown in the east/west direction with the exception of Trade and Eighth Street will reopen for morning rush from the hours of 6:00-9:30 a.m.
• College Street travelers will be diverted at Fifth Street

For more information about the LYNX Blue Line schedules, pick ups locations and stops, go to http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/LYNX/home.htm.

Speed Street Operations Plan
Speed Street Map

Contacts for the City of Charlotte during the event are:
Linda Durrett/Charlotte Dept. of Transportation, 704-336-3902
Jamie Banks/Charlotte Dept. of Economic Development, 704-280-1212 (cell)
Emily Westbrook/Special Event Coordinator, 980-297-6219 (cell)
David Christopher/Charlotte Special Events Coordinator, 980-722-5453 (cell)