Charlotte Marathon Weekend: Essential Road Closure Guide

Charlotte residents, brace yourselves for significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the annual Novant Health Charlotte Marathon takes over key roads. Starting Friday afternoon and continuing through Saturday evening, extensive closures will impact Uptown and several surrounding neighborhoods, requiring careful planning for your travel.

Early Closures Begin Friday Afternoon

The first wave of road closures will hit Uptown on Friday afternoon, initiating the extensive logistical preparation for the marathon. West Fourth Street, specifically between South Graham Street and South Poplar Street, will close at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 15. This crucial segment will remain blocked until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 16, to accommodate race setup and subsequent teardown, allowing organizers ample time to deploy water stations, medical tents, and safety barriers.

Widespread Impacts Expected Saturday Morning

The most substantial disruptions will begin early Saturday morning, with major roads shutting down at 4 a.m. to facilitate the race. These widespread closures are slated to last until 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, impacting weekend errands, lunch plans, and general city navigation. Specifically, South Mint Street will be entirely closed between West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and West Trade Street. Similarly, South Tryon Street, a primary downtown artery, will face a full closure between West Fourth Street and West Brooklyn Village Avenue, necessitating significant detours for usual commuters.

Five Neighborhoods Facing Major Disruptions

The marathon route intricately winds through some of Charlotte’s most vibrant and populated areas, each experiencing its own set of traffic challenges throughout race day.

1. Myers Park

Residents in the historic and affluent Myers Park neighborhood, situated southeast of Uptown, should anticipate closures on various tree-lined streets as runners pass through this key section of the course.

2. Dilworth

Dilworth, an established neighborhood adjacent to Uptown, will also see significant traffic impacts. The race course will traverse its commercial and residential streets, potentially creating access challenges for local businesses during peak closure hours.

3. Plaza Midwood

Known for its vibrant arts scene and diverse dining, Plaza Midwood lies directly along the marathon path. Its main thoroughfares will be affected, which could alter Saturday brunch plans for many locals.

4. NoDa (North Davidson)

Charlotte’s lively arts district, NoDa, located north of downtown, will experience road closures as runners make their way through this creative community. Galleries, breweries, and music venues might observe reduced foot traffic during these hours.

5. South End

As one of Charlotte’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, South End will face disruptions, particularly along its popular light rail corridor. This area, usually bustling with weekend activity from its residential towers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, will see altered accessibility.

Key Road Closure Times at a Glance

To help you navigate the weekend, here’s a quick overview of critical road closure timings:

Planning Your Weekend Travel

Charlotte residents and visitors should factor in additional travel time, especially during Saturday morning and early afternoon. Expect longer trips on alternative routes that might normally be quick. Public transportation, including bus routes, may also be subject to rerouting; it’s advisable to check for service alerts and schedule modifications before departing.

Embracing the Race Day Atmosphere

Despite the temporary inconvenience, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon transforms the city with an electric atmosphere. Thousands of spectators typically line the route, creating a festive environment as they cheer on runners. Many local businesses capitalize on the event, offering special promotions or designated viewing areas for customers to enjoy the race, contributing to Charlotte’s vibrant community spirit and support for athletic achievements.

Minimizing Disruptions and Staying Informed

To ensure a smoother weekend, consider completing any essential errands or travel through affected areas on Friday before 1 p.m. If you must travel on Saturday, plan routes that completely bypass Uptown and the five impacted neighborhoods. Parking near closure zones will be restricted or severely limited, so alternative transportation or longer walks from available parking spots should be anticipated if attending events or visiting businesses nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When do the main road closures begin and end?
  Major closures across Uptown and affected neighborhoods begin at 4:00 AM on Saturday, November 16, and will last until 3:30 PM on Saturday. A portion of West Fourth Street closes earlier, at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 15.
• Which specific streets in Uptown will be closed?
  Key closures include South Mint Street (between MLK Jr. Blvd and Trade St) and South Tryon Street (between W Fourth St and W Brooklyn Village Ave), both from Saturday 4:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Are public transportation services affected?
  Yes, bus routes may be rerouted. It is highly recommended to check Charlotte’s transit system for service alerts and schedule changes before planning your journey.
• What should I do if I need to visit a business in an affected neighborhood?
  Call ahead to confirm their accessibility and operating hours. Many businesses may adjust for the marathon, offering special arrangements or reduced hours.
• When will all roads fully reopen?
  Streets will reopen progressively as runners complete each section of the course, with full access expected to be restored by late Saturday afternoon.

Ultimately, while the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon brings temporary traffic challenges, planning ahead and staying informed about specific closures will allow you to navigate the city efficiently and even embrace the exciting race day energy.

Charlotte Marathon Closes Roads Friday Through Saturday