Traffic alert: Expect delays, closed roads Saturday in downtown Lexington due to events
The Lexington Police Department has issued a traffic alert for the downtown area Saturday as multiple roads will be shut down and heavy traffic is expected.
Multiple events taking place are scheduled around downtown Lexington Saturday: the Shamrock Shuffle 3K, the St. Patrick’s Parade and Irish Festival, and the KHSAA Girls’ Sweet 16 Tournament. The race will start at 8:30 a.m., the festival will run from 10:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. and games in the Sweet 16 will begin at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
According to Lexington police, Main Street will be blocked between Mill Street and Midland Avenue from 8-10 a.m. for the race. The road will once again close from 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. for the parade.
Midland Avenue also will be shut down from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for the race and parade, according to Lexington police.
Small sections of roads will be blocked for most of the day. Lexington police said Main Street between Upper and Mill streets will be closed from 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and Short Street between Upper and Mill street will be blocked off from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
“The Lexington Police Department is asking anyone traveling in the area to stay alert and don’t drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” Lexington police said in a press release.
People are encouraged to check the Lexington Traffic Management Center’s website for the latest information on road closures in the city.
As a result of the congestion downtown, the Lexington Farmers Market is moving locations Saturday. The market will be on National Avenue from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The farmers market said parking will be easy and free. Parking is available on the street, in the gravel lot between Mirror Twin Brewery and the market, and behind many of the buildings in the area.
There will be QR codes at the entrances to parking lots which will answer whether or not it’s OK to park there, the farmers market said.
Day two of the Sweet 16 wrapped up Thursday evening and quarterfinal games will take place at Rupp Arena Friday beginning at 11 a.m.
A Herald-Leader team is covering the tournament from start to finish.
Jared Peck (@HLpreps), Caroline Makauskas (@cmakauskas) and Josh Moore (@JoshMooreHL) will be providing updates, highlights, analysis and more from Rupp Arena throughout the tournament. And check out photos from this week by Ryan C. Hermens (@ryanhermens) and our freelancers.
