Fans attending the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 24, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are encouraged to review the “New Way to the Speedway” plan recently implemented by IMS.
Fans should plan their routes ahead of time for an easier, more efficient drive to the track, and the “New Way to the Speedway” program is designed to suggest the best routes for fans to travel to IMS as efficiently as possible.
The most noticeable change fans will experience in traveling to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this year is the new roundabout at the intersection of 16th Street and Georgetown Road. Drivers can no longer access Georgetown Road from 16th Street or Crawfordsville Road because it does not connect to the roundabout.
IMS has worked closely with the Speedway Police Department, as well as other law enforcement agencies to revamp certain parts of the traffic plan for IMS events. All Speedway patrons should be aware of the following:
- Guests with an infield parking pass should travel on 16th Street from downtown to enter the track through Gate 2, which is the main IMS entrance off of 16th Street.
- All infield parking passes are currently sold out.
- Credentialed guests can access Georgetown Road from 25th Street to reach Gate 7, which will only be open to vehicles with a corresponding parking pass or those displaying a disabled placard until 7 a.m.
- For guests who purchased parking or camping, please be sure to follow the directions provided in the parking direction brochure. The routes are in conjunction with law enforcement’s traffic plan and highlighted to ensure each guest arrives at their designated lot.
- The only free parking lot option for the Indianapolis 500 is Lot 1C. Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are encouraged to follow I-465 to 38th Street, south on Moller Road, east on 30th Street, the Lot 1C entrance is on your right.
- Only guests that purchased a pre-paid parking pass prior to race day can park in the North 40/Lot 7. This lot is currently sold out.
o From I-465 exit at 38th Street, head south on Moller Road and east on 30th Street to North 40/Lot7.
o From southbound I-65 use Exit 119 (38th Street) and proceed to the Kessler Boulevard North Drive exit, turn south (right) on Kessler Boulevard North Drive, turn west (right) onto 30th Street, the Gate 10 entrance is on the left.
o From northbound I-65 use Exit 116 (29th/30th Street) and proceed straight past 29th Street, turn west (left) on 30th Street, the Gate 10 entrance is on the left. - Make sure to get to IMS in plenty of time before the race. Indianapolis Motor Speedway gates open at 6 a.m. on race day.
Indianapolis 500 Race Day road closures
In an effort to increase the safety and security of race patrons, the Speedway Police Department will close Georgetown Road and 16th Street to all vehicular traffic during the running of the Indianapolis 500.
Georgetown Road will be closed south of 25th Street prior to the start of the race beginning at 7 a.m. After Georgetown Road is closed, no vehicular traffic, including placarded traffic, will be allowed to access the roadway. Those race patrons with placards who are accustomed to entering IMS Gate 7 will have to enter through Gate 2 (W. 16th Street) or Gate 10 (30th Street). Local residents who reside on this stretch of Georgetown Road are encouraged to make provisions for this temporary traffic restriction as vehicles will not be permitted to access Georgetown Road from McCray Street, 24th Street, and all other access points in this area.
Upon completion of the race, Georgetown Road will remain closed to vehicular traffic until the vast majority of race pedestrian foot traffic clears from the roadway (approximately one hour after the race).
In addition, 16th Street will also be closed during the Indianapolis 500 between Olin Avenue on the east to the 16th Street roundabout on the west from approximately noon until the race concludes. In addition, 16th Street will not be accessible from Polco Street, as it will be blocked at 10th Street.
Traffic traveling east on Crawfordsville Road from the west will be turned around at the 16th Street roundabout. Traffic traveling west on 16th Street from downtown will be diverted south on Olin Avenue.
In addition, the Speedway Police Department wants local residents and motorists to be aware that a number of parking restrictions will be in place for the Indianapolis 500 weekend. For a complete list, visit http://www.townofspeedway.org/egov/documents/1431358934_33184.pdf.
Indianapolis 500 weekend road closure restrictions and additional security measures are established to ensure the safety of residents, businesses and visitors during and after IMS events. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Speedway Police Department appreciate everyone’s cooperation during these temporary restrictions.
IMS “KNOW YOUR ZONE” program returns to assist motorists
Now in its fourth year, the “IMS KNOW YOUR ZONE” program is designed to help Speedway guests identify the best driving routes to parking lots located near their respective seating locations.
With the track opening at 6 a.m. on Indianapolis 500 Race Day, officials suggest fans arrive early to ensure getting to IMS in time to catch all of the legendary pre-race ceremonies. Driving routes have been created by local law enforcement agencies and match KNOW YOUR ZONE colors at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
- Orange: The southern end of IMS.
- Red: The northern end of IMS.
- Green: Between the Orange (southern) and Red (northern) zones.
For more information about the “KNOW YOUR ZONE” program, visit http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/at-the-track/directions-and-zones/know-your-zones
Drivers can learn the locations of work zones and highway restrictions by calling INDOT’s TrafficWise at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or viewing an online map at www.TrafficWise.IN.gov. ISP will offer updates on traffic and parking on Twitter and Facebook.
No coolers larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced. Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person.
For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com. For additional information, follow the Indiana State Police @IndStatePolice , the Speedway Police Department @SpeedwayPD or listen to radio stations WNFI-AM 1070 or WIBC-FM 93.1.
IMS PR
