Detroit officials have unveiled the latest in a series of road closures as part of the preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft, marking a significant impact on the city’s traffic flow. Scheduled to commence on Monday, April 15, at 12am, this phase is set to be the most impactful yet, particularly due to the closure of Eastbound and Westbound Jefferson Avenue in front of Hart Plaza. This move is to facilitate the construction of the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage, a complimentary fan festival spanning all three days of the Draft event.
The upcoming closures include key downtown arteries such as the SB M-10 exit to Jefferson Avenue, alongside sections of Westbound Jefferson Avenue from Beaubien Street to Washington Blvd, and Eastbound from Washington Blvd to Randolph. Additional streets affected will be Bates Street from Jefferson Avenue to Atwater Street, Atwater Street from Civic Center Drive to Bates Street, and Southbound Brush Street between Larned Street and Jefferson Avenue. During these closures, all tunnel-bound traffic is directed to use I-375, with specific routes advised for Windsor-bound commuters.
The second phase of closures, effective from April 8 to May 5, includes the following areas:
- Northbound Woodward Avenue stretching from East Congress Street to State Street will be closed.
- A single lane on the west side of Southbound Woodward Avenue near Campus Martius will also be restricted.
- Eastbound Cadillac Square will be closed from Woodward Avenue to Randolph Street, and westbound traffic will be halted from Randolph Street to Bates Street.
- Additionally, Bates Street will be closed to through traffic from Cadillac Square to East Congress Street.
The first phase of closures, which began on March 29 and will continue until May 7, affects:
- Randolph Street between Gratiot Avenue and Fort Street.
- Monroe Street from North Woodward Avenue to Randolph Street.
- Farmer Street between Randolph and Bates Street, reserved for garage access only.
- Bates Street, with no through traffic permitted.
Regarding parking, the Ford Underground Garage will maintain accessibility until April 23. With these road closures come parking restrictions, vital for maintaining clear routes for emergency services. The Municipal Parking Department and Department of Public Works urge drivers to observe all parking signs diligently. Despite indications by the Park Detroit app, parking may not be permitted in all zones due to these temporary restrictions, and vehicles parked in violation may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Amidst the closures and preparations, the city’s excitement for the NFL Draft is palpable, with the NFL Draft Experience offering a host of activities, including immersive exhibits, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and the chance for autographs from NFL stars. The construction of the NFL Draft Theater and city-wide decorations, including team banners and painted transformer boxes, showcase Detroit’s enthusiasm and readiness for this major sports event.
For the latest information on road closures and other NFL Draft-related updates, residents and visitors are encouraged to consult visitdetroit.com/2024nfldraft, detroitmi.gov, and the NFL One Pass app. The city has also issued guidance on alternative transportation options, including the Detroit People Mover, QLINE, and various ride-sharing services, to facilitate convenient access to the event.
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