Race fans attending the NASCAR Playoffs at Martinsville Speedway this weekend are being advised by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to follow posted signs and recommended traffic patterns to help reduce congestion in the area. The department expects increased traffic volumes around the speedway from Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, October 26.
VDOT will deploy numerous signs and changeable message boards throughout the region to guide travelers. According to VDOT, “Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be heavy. Traffic is being routed to the speedway in certain patterns to minimize overall congestion as much as possible. Watch for the speed limit to reduce gradually from 65 mph to 35 mph on the Route 220/Route 58 Bypass as you approach the speedway.”
Specific guidance has been issued for drivers coming from different directions:
– Race fans traveling south on Route 220 and east on Route 58 from Roanoke, Stuart, and areas north and west of Martinsville should use the Route 58/220 Bypass past the speedway interchange. They are advised to turn right onto the access road leading into the speedway, with signage marking this entrance about one mile east of the Route 220 interchange.
– Those arriving from Danville and areas east of Martinsville via Route 58 Bypass should follow signs directing them to use the track’s back gate, located off the bypass east of the track.
– Motorists from Greensboro and areas south of Martinsville are instructed to watch for electronic message boards and obey police directing traffic. Through traffic should remain in the left lane.
The department urges all race attendees to remain alert for changing conditions and updates provided through posted signage.
