‘Be alert at all times,’ officials warn drivers and pedestrians during busy CIAA week
Charlotte transportation officials on Wednesday urged drivers and pedestrians “to be alert at all times” as thousands of fans flood uptown for the CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament.
This week’s tournament play also brings with it dozens of celebrity parties and fan events.
“Pedestrians will be crossing streets and walking to the Spectrum Center from parking lots, garages and the Charlotte Convention Center,” Charlotte Department of Transportation officials said in a news release.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police officers will be at every main pedestrian intersection near the uptown center throughout the tournament, which ends Saturday, officials said. There are no planned road closed, according to the city.
The warning, especially for pedestrians in the city, is timely.
The past three years have been particularly deadly for pedestrians in Charlotte.
In 2019, 28 pedestrians died. It was the third straight year in which fatalities set or matched historical highs, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. In 2018 and 2017, a respective 28 and 27 walkers were killed.
All streets will stay open throughout the tournament, although 5th Street near the Spectrum Center could be closed sporadically at the end of key games, officials said announced Wednesday.
When pedestrian volume spikes, drivers may be prohibited from turning onto side streets from College Street and Tryon Street, specifically on College Street and Tryon Street between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 6th Street, according to the Charlotte Department of Transportation.
On Friday and Saturday, drivers may similarly not be allowed to turn from College Street and Tryon Street between Stonewall Street and 9th Street, officials said.
Also, on-street parking will be limited on parts of Trade Street, Church Street, Tryon Street, College Street, 5th Street and 6th Street.
“Motorists wishing to park are encouraged to access lots by using the side street where the lot or deck is located,” according to the release.
The best advice for uptown drivers this week? Find an alternate route to wherever you’re headed, officials said.