2017 Firestone Grand Prix: Road Closings

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — As St. Petersburg prepares for the 2017 Firestone Grand Prix to race into town, city officials want to make sure residents and visitors are prepared three days of Indy car action. To that end, the city has released the breakdown of roads that will be closed for the March 10-12.

According to the city, the racing circuit, which takes over part of downtown, will be finalized on Thursday, March 9.

“While Beach Drive and Central Avenue will remain open during construction and throughout race weekend, motorists and pedestrians can expect race-related street closures and detours downtown from Pioneer Park to Albert Whitted Airport,” a Tuesday email from the city said.

The following roads will be closed leading up to and during race weekend:

• First Street from First avenue North to Sixth Avenue South
• First avenue South from First Street to Bayshore
• Beach Drive from Central Avenue to First Avenue South
• Bayshore Drive Southeast from Central Avenue to Dali Boulevard

The following roads will have limited access before and during the event:

• Second Avenue South from First to Second Streets
• Bayshore Drive Southeast from Second Avenue Northeast to Central Avenue
• First Street South from Dali to Eighth Avenue South
• Sixth Avenue South from First to Second Streets

“Albert Whitted Park is also closed to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, reopening March 26,” the email said. “Following Sunday's checkered flag, all roads and areas affected by the Grand Prix are expected to reopen by March 26, with some major roads open as early as March 17.”

Albert Whitted Airport will be open during race weekend, but will have limited access via Sixth Avenue South. Limited access is also planned in other areas, including Demens Landing, which will be restricted to marina residents and Grand Prix ticket holders using the water taxi.

The city says more than 25,000 parking spaces will be available within a mile of the race track. For more information, check out this related story: What To Know Before Going To The 2017 Firestone Grand Prix.

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