KSP Detail Speedway Race Day Traffic Plans

Kentucky Speedway

(Sparta, Ky.) – Thursday marks one week until the start of the big race weekend at Kentucky Speedway.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be held Thursday evening, June 28, followed by the Nationwide Series Feed the Children 300 on Friday, and the Sprint Cup Quaker State 400 Saturday.

State and track officials are taking every step to avoid any semblance of a repeat of the traffic debacle that marred the inaugural Sprint Cup race last year. On Thursday, Kentucky State Police unveiled the traffic plan for the races.

Also making a difference will be about 20,000 new parking spots across from the track on Kentucky Highway 35. Track owner Speedway Motor Sports, Inc. invested $10 million to create the new parking. A pedestrian tunnel has been installed beneath the highway to keep pedestrians safe and from slowing incoming and outgoing traffic.

Wider highways have been added, too. Kentucky 35 will have five lanes and on race day can expand to seven.

Vehicles exiting Interstate 71 may also have an easier time approaching the track as the southbound exit to Kentucky 35 has added a third lane.

State police did offer tips for race fans who will descend upon the Sparta race track:

Leave early to avoid delays.

Delays are still possible as with any major public or sporting event.

Be patient and do not participate in aggressive driving behaviors.

Thousands of race fans will travel on foot to the track from their parking spaces.  Please be mindful of pedestrians and use extra caution when nearing the Speedway and returning home.

Troopers are asking that commercial truck traffic avoid I-71 through Gallatin County for the Friday Nationwide race and Saturday Sprint Cup race to help alleviate congestion. The state police have provided alternate routes:

Commercial Motor Vehicles in transit between Louisville and Cincinnati are advised to utilize Interstates 64 & 75.  

Traffic traveling towards Louisville from Cincinnati:  Travel I-75 to Lexington.  At exit 118, merge onto I-64 West.  Continue I-64 West to Louisville.

Traffic traveling towards Cincinnati from Louisville:  Travel I-64 to Lexington.  At exit 75, merge onto I-75 North.  Continue I-75 North to Cincinnati.

The KSP ask the public to forward the information to route managers, drivers and other personnel who may be affected.

LINKS:

Ky. Gov. Approves Of Speedway Improvements

Kentucky Speedway Makes Plans To Keep Fans Updated On Traffic And Parking

Ky. Speedway Simulates Traffic Situations

Ky. Speedway Continues To Add Parking

KY 35 Closes At Speedway For Construction

Ky. Awards Road Construction Contract At Track

Ky. Speedway Adding 10,000 Parking Spaces

Ky. Speedway Making Improvements

Traffic Leaves Bad Taste For KY Speedway