Fitgers 5K Hopes For Good Weather, And Your Co-Operation, Traffic Diversions For The Race

Fitgers 5k Race is upon us again this year. Just like Grandma's Marathon there will be some traffic delays and diversions. Obviously, you can't park or drive by Fitgers the morning of the race, but here is a listing of all the closures and traffic stops for the day.

On Saturday, April 20, According to The City Of Duluth Website, beginning at 8:30 a.m. traffic will be diverted from portions of Superior Street in Downtown Duluth, Lake Avenue and Railroad Street for the Fitger's 5K Foot Race.

There will be “No Parking” areas posted on Superior Street from  Lake Avenue  to 8th Avenue East,  and the West side of Lake Avenue South from Railroad Street down to the Aerial Lift Bridge.  Violators will be tagged and towed.

Traffic delays will occur for approximately 2 hours as traffic will be diverted off of Superior Street between Lake Ave and 8th Avenues East.   East bound traffic is urged to use 2nd Street, and west bound traffic is urged to use 1st or 3rd Street.

Motorists should be alert for officers directing traffic Downtown, in the Canal Park area and near the DECC.

DETOURS:

South Lake Avenue Viaduct-

The two up bound lanes on the East side of South Lake Avenue viaduct over I-35 will be closed to traffic and used for runners.  The two down bound lanes on the west side of the South Lake Avenue viaduct will be coned for two-way vehicle traffic.    The two freeway ramps on the east side of the viaduct (north bound I-35 on-ramp and south bound I-35 off-ramp onto Lake Avenue) will both be closed during the race.   The two freeway ramps on the west side of the viaduct (the north bound I-35 off-ramp onto Lake Avenue and the south bound I-35 entrance ramp) will remain open.

Railroad Street:

Railroad Street will be barricaded and closed at Garfield Avenue, however, vehicles MAY ENTER onto Railroad Street at Garfield Avenue to access local businesses, but will not be allowed further east than the 8th Avenue west race turnaround point..

Slip Ramp Exit to Railroad Street:

The Slip Ramp exit onto Railroad Street from north bound I-35 WILL BE CLOSED.

 DECC:

The ONLY access to the DECC from 8:30 a.m. until about 9:30 a.m. will be down 5th Avenue West to Harbor Drive and to the DECC East Gate (near the William Irvin tour boat).   At about 9:30 a.m., Railroad Street and the DECC North Gate will re-open to traffic.  The DECC will not be accessible via Lake Avenue until about 9:30 a.m.

Canal Park/Park Point:

Motorists driving to Canal Park or Park Point must use the South Lake Avenue viaduct.   Canal Park Drive from Railroad Street to Morse Street will be closed briefly during the event.

Canal Park Hotels:

Hotel lots on Canal Park Drive will be closed down briefly until the start of the race has completed (from about 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.). After all participants have passed that area of Canal Park Drive, the parking lots will re-open.  Motorists wishing to get to the DECC from Canal Park will need to use the Lake Avenue viaduct to Superior Street, then west to 5th Avenue West down to Harbor Drive to the DECC East Lot Gate (near the William Irvin tour boat).

Fitger's Ramp/Pickwick Lot:

The Fitger's Ramp and Pickwick Lot will be closed just before the race, and will open immediately after.

Traffic should return to normal by approximately 10:30 a.m. The Fitger's 5K Race is sponsored by the Fitger's Brewery Complex and Grandma's Marathon.  Please plan for delays, road closures and Duluth Police ask that driver’s in the area use caution, watch for runners and pedestrians.