DETROIT (WWJ) -- Driving to and around Downtown Detroit is tricky right now say the least, with many street closures in place ahead of this week's 2024 NFL Draft.
WWJ's Mike Campbell reports that police are directing traffic at just about every intersection — especially on Larned, which with Jefferson Avenue closed is the only choice for drivers coming to the city off The Lodge Freeway.
While some of Detroit’s Central Business District will be closed (see street closure details below) city officials say making the trip downtown will be well worth it.
In addition to the NFL footprint, there are fun activities planned for the public at several locations throughout the downtown and across the city.
Mayor Mike Duggan said he hopes fans won't opt to stay home due to concerns about transportation.
“For more than a year, Detroit has been preparing to host NFL fans from across the country and from right here at home,” said Duggan. “We want to make sure anyone who wants to celebrate with us can get Downtown to the event as easily as possible. Thanks to Sam Krassenstein, our Chief of Infrastructure, for leading this effort.”
While some road closures will be lifted after the Draft is over on April 27, the city said some will remain in place through May 7.
The following information is provided by the City of Detroit:
These closures are in place through May 5:
• Northbound Woodward Avenue from East Congress Street to State Street
• One lane of Southbound Woodward Ave. on west side of Campus Martius
• Eastbound Cadillac Square from Woodward Ave. to Randolph Street
• Westbound Cadillac Square from Randolph Street to Bates Street
• Bates Street from Cadillac Square to East Congress Street
These closures are in place through May 6:
• SB M-10 exit to Jefferson Avenue downtown will be closed - Exits 1A (W. Jefferson) & 1B (Larned) will remain open at this time
• 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 must use I-375 during the M-10/Jefferson Avenue closures
• Windsor-bound traffic should use Jefferson to Randolph to access the Tunnel
These closures are in place through May 7:
• 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)
The city says this road closure schedule was :very carefully designed: by the City of Detroit and the NFL to ensure minimal disruption to those working and living Downtown.
During the Draft, street parking will not be allowed in much of the Central Business District to allow for adequate space for our first responders to efficiently and effectively manage any police or medical emergencies.
Fans headed downtown should note that the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage is FREE and open to for the public on:
• Thursday, April 25, from noon to 10 p.m.
• Friday, April 26, from noon to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For access to the Draft Experience, fans are required to register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess . For those without a smartphone, registration on site via Fan Services staff is also permitted.
The public event will feature immersive exhibits and sponsor activations; take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at NFL Shop; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage.
The three secure entry points to the 2024 NFL Draft will be located at:
• Jefferson Ave. & Randolph Street
• Jefferson Ave. & Griswold Street
• Cadillac Square & Randolph
Transportation options include park and ride, fan shuttles, public transit and rideshare services.
Bus services
One of the most cost-effective and low-stress ways to get to and from Downtown Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft will be the park and ride shuttles operated by SMART, QLINE, and Visit Detroit.
The City of Detroit has worked with QLINE, Wayne State University, Michigan Central and General Motors to bring easily accessible Park & Ride fan shuttles to three locations within the city.
QLINE will be offering Park & Ride services, available on a first-come, first-serve basis for $5 per vehicle from the following locations:
• WSU Lot 12 – Harper & Woodward - near the Amsterdam station
• New Center Garage – 116 Lothrop - near the Grand Blvd station
• Cass Garage – 6540 Cass Ave - near the Baltimore station
• John R & Piquette – 6230 John R. - near the Amsterdam station
Fan Shuttle locations:
• $10 per car - WSU Structures 1, 5, and 2 (first come, first serve) - 450 W. Palmer Ave
• $15 per car - Bagley Mobility Hub, 1501 Wabash Street (prepay recommended) Link to Prepay
• $15 per car - River East Garage, 214 Rivard Street (prepay recommended)
Link to Prepay
SMART will also be offering Park & Ride all three days of the NFL Draft from multiple locations around Metro Detroit.
“SMART recognizes the NFL Draft is a tremendous economic driver that will bring thousands of visitors to Detroit,” said SMART General Manager Dwight Ferrell. “But this event isn’t just for visitors. SMART is focused on the people who live right here in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne Counties. We are all about giving you access to this exciting event. This is a fantastic opportunity for local families who haven’t tried transit to get on board.”
SMART buses will depart from Park & Ride locations once an hour between 9 am and 3 pm on all three days.
Thursday and Friday, buses will leave Downtown to return to Park & Ride locations once an hour between 1 pm and 11:30 pm.
Saturday, buses will leave Downtown to return to Park & Ride locations once an hour between 1 pm and 7:30 pm.
East side of Downtown pickup/drop off location will be the Bricktown People Mover Station.
SMART Park & Ride locations:
• Great Lakes Crossing, 4000 Baldwin, Auburn Hills
• Lakeside Mall, 14000 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights
• Clemens Farmers Market, 141 North River Road
• Sterling Heights Meijer, 36000 Van Dyke Ave.
• Troy Civic Center Park and Ride lot, 520 W. Big Beaver Road
• Oakland Community College Orchard Ridge Campus, 27055 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills
• Southfield Civic Center bus terminal, 24350 Civic Center Drive
• Westland Police Department, 36701 Ford Road
• Fairlane Town Center, 18900 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
• Lincoln Park Community Center, 3525 Dix Hwy.
• Southgate Meijer, 16300 Fort Street
For official NFL Draft event updates and information, fans should download the NFL One pass app, or go to VisitDetroit.com .
Don't get caught in a jam! Stay with WWJ for traffic updates, along with weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. LISTEN LIVE!!
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