Detroit gears up for the upcoming NFL Draft, prompting significant road closures and preparations across the city. Here’s what residents and visitors need to know:
Road Closure Phases
The City of Detroit announces the next phase of road closures beginning Monday, April 15 at 12 am. This phase, marking a crucial step in the city’s preparation for the NFL Draft, entails the closure of both Eastbound and Westbound Jefferson Avenue in front of Hart Plaza. These closures are essential to accommodate the build-out of the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage, a free fan festival spanning all three days of the Draft.
Phase Three Closures:
- SB M-10 exit to Jefferson Avenue downtown will be closed
- Westbound Jefferson Avenue from Beaubien Street to Washington Blvd.
- Eastbound Jefferson Avenue from Washington Blvd to Randolph
- Bates Street from Jefferson Avenue to Atwater Street
- Atwater Street from Civic Center Drive to Bates Street
- Southbound Brush Street between Larned Street and Jefferson Avenue
- All Tunnel traffic redirected to I-375 during the M-10/Jefferson Avenue closures
- Windsor-bound traffic advised to use Jefferson to Randolph to access the Tunnel
Phase Two Closures:
Phase two closures, which commenced on April 8th and extend until May 5th, include:
- Northbound Woodward Avenue from East Congress Street to State Street
- One lane of Southbound Woodward Avenue on the West side of Campus Martius
- Eastbound and Westbound Cadillac Square from Woodward Avenue to Randolph Street
- Bates Street from Cadillac Square to East Congress Street
Phase One Closures:
Phase one closures, initiated on March 29th and lasting until May 7th, encompass:
- Randolph Street between Gratiot Avenue and Fort Street
- Monroe Street between North Woodward Avenue and Randolph Street
- Farmer Street between Randolph and Bates (Garage access only)
- Bates Street (no through traffic)
Parking Information and Restrictions
The Ford Underground Garage remains accessible through April 23rd. However, parking restrictions are in place to ensure adequate space for emergency responders. Motorists are urged to adhere to all parking restriction signs to avoid towing at the owners’ expense.
NFL Draft Excitement
The NFL Draft Experience promises immersive exhibits, sponsor activations, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and more. Visitors can also witness the ongoing construction of the NFL Draft Theater and enjoy the vibrant ambiance with NFL team banners and painted electrical transformer boxes showcasing Detroit sports legends’ jerseys.
Transportation and Updates
As excitement builds for the NFL Draft, the city provides transportation updates to assist fans. Information on vehicle parking, as well as alternative transportation options such as the Detroit People Mover, QLINE, DDOT, RTA, Uber, or Lyft, will be available to ensure a smooth experience for attendees.
For further updates and details, residents and visitors are encouraged to register on the NFL One Pass app and check visitdetroit.com and detroitmi.gov regularly.
This information is sourced from a press release by the City of Detroit, highlighting the collaborative efforts to ensure a successful and enjoyable NFL Draft experience for all participants.
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