NAIAS Charity Preview To Bring 17,000 to Downtown on Friday January 14
14 January 2000
North American International Auto Show Charity Preview To Bring 17,000 to Downtown on Friday January 14DETROIT, Jan. 13 -- Roughly 17,000 people are expected to attend the Detroit Auto Dealers Association's North American International Auto Show Charity Preview on Friday, January 14, with thousands of ticket holders arriving around 5:30 p.m. The Detroit Police Department issued a travel advisory to alert the public of detours and possible traffic delays. "We're excited that we will have a number of special events occurring that will bring thousands of residents and visitors into the downtown area," said Renee Walker, the City's Chief of Protocol. "Everyone traveling into downtown Detroit should plan to leave for their destinations early and use alternate routes." Motorists on their way to Windsor, Canada and beyond are advised to use the Ambassador Bridge instead of the tunnel. Traffic flowing into the downtown area is expected to be extremely heavy. Workers exiting downtown are encouraged to use northbound thoroughfares such as Woodward Avenue, Cass Avenue or the I-75 Freeway. There will be a strong police presence in the downtown area on Friday evening. Uniformed officers will direct traffic to assist motorists. Additional signage will direct limousines, service cars, shuttles vans and buses to specified drop off points at Cobo Conference/Exhibition Center. "We want everyone to enjoy the evening, free from any concerns about safety and security for themselves and their vehicles," said Paula Bridges, Second Deputy Chief of Public Information for the Detroit Police Department. Motorists should be on the lookout for shuttle buses traveling eastbound on Congress from nearby parking structures to drop off visitors at Cobo Center. The Police Department will also coordinate the flow of traffic in these areas: * Atwater Street behind the Renaissance Center through to Joe Louis Arena will be closed to traffic on Friday. Only D-DOT buses will be allowed to travel and park in this area beginning at 5 p.m. * The Civic Center ramp off eastbound Jefferson will be closed to traffic starting at 5 p.m. * Shelby will be closed between Larned and Jefferson Avenue starting at 5 p.m. The Larned exit on the southbound John C. Lodge Freeway will be closed at 7:30 p.m. Congestion and delays are expected on the southbound John C. Lodge Freeway. Motorists may want to travel a different southbound route to Cobo Center. Individuals are encouraged to utilize City of Detroit Municipal Parking facilities along the Detroit People Mover route. Two People Mover stations -- Grand Circus Park and Greektown -- are closed because of construction. The People Mover fare is 50 cents. Limousines, service cars and shuttle vans and buses will be the only vehicles allowed to pass in front of Cobo Center. No vehicles will be allowed to stand or park at the meters near Cobo Center. All traffic restrictions will be lifted after 10 p.m.