OTTAWA: It is still probably a better move to stay off the road next week, but Monterey Peninsula cities are working to ease or, at least let people know, about Classic Car Week traffic.
The communities teamed up with the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau to come out with traffic guide for residents that will be posted on its website Monday.
It is estimated around 85,000 people will flood the Peninsula for the automotive affair. Despite an economic impact of more than $53 million, traffic problems often irk locals.
Most of the events will be held Tuesday to Sunday, but some road closures happen early as part of setup. Some highlights of the guide:
CARMEL
The heaviest traffic in Carmel is expected for Tuesday for Concours on the Avenue that will shut down Ocean Avenue from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. The city asks drivers to use Carpenter Street or Rio Road to enter the city.
Not only should Ocean Avenue be avoided, but free parking lots will likely be heavily used. They are at the Vista Lobos building at Third Avenue and Junipero Street and Sunset Center on Eighth Avenue between Mission and San Carlos streets.
Ocean Avenue will again be closed from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Tour d’Elegance on Thursday, Aug. 13.
PEBBLE BEACH
Tourists will be barred from 17 Mile Drive for two days, Aug. 15-16, as a host of events is held inside Del Monte Forest, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Aug. 16.
Buses will run from Carmel Plaza to Pebble Beach from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 16. A wristband to ride the bus is $20 and can be purchased on the Carmel Chamber of Commerce website.
MONTEREY
Monterey’s biggest trouble spot will likely be Del Monte Avenue between Washington and Alvarado streets, where traffic will be limited to one lane, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Saturday and continuing through Aug. 17.
The city is suggesting residents and visitors take the free Monterey-Salinas Transit trolleys or walk the Recreation Trail to get around.
Festivities in the First City start early with the Laguna Seca Race Week Kick-Off from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, closing the 300 block of Alvarado Street.
Cannery Row will be partially or entirely closed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Aug. 15.
On Aug. 14, the entire length of Cannery Row will be closed from 2 to 10 p.m. for the free Exotics on Cannery Row.
PACIFIC GROVE
The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove will close Lighthouse Avenue between Fountain Avenue and 16th Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The Avenue will close again from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 14 for the Pacific Grove Concours Auto Rally.
Traffic will likely spread throughout America’s Last Hometown as People Park on side streets and parking lots on Fountain and Pine avenues.
SEASIDE
Although there are no road closures planned, the wacky Concours d’LeMons (featuring oddball cars) will invade Laguna Grande Park from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Considering it is already a high-traffic area, expect delays.
MAZDA RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA
Monterey-Salinas Highway near the raceway should be avoided on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 14, for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. as race traffic and commute traffic converge. The Reunion will run through Aug. 16.
