The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) released the following regarding the 2016 NASCAR Race Series at the Dover International Speedway beginning on Friday, May 13 through Sunday, May 15. Traffic conditions have eased over the years as NASCAR tracks attendance declined. However, congestion can occur at various times in the Dover area, with the state offering alternatives that include bus service:
Traffic Information
DelDOT’s Transportation Management Center (TMC) staff in coordination with the City of Dover Police and Delaware State Police will monitor traffic in and around the Dover vicinity to ensure safe travel for motorists.
On Sunday, May 15, the Dover International Speedway’s main entrance on U.S. Route 13 will be closed for all southbound traffic when parking at the Dover International Speedway is filled. When the race is concluded on Sunday afternoon, Leipsic Road will also be closed to through traffic.
A designated exit route for the Saturday and Sunday races have been established through the cooperation of many groups including the Towne Point Civic Association. Vehicles parked in Lot 1 will be permitted to exit to Buckson Drive onto Townsend Boulevard and the signalized intersection. Once at the traffic signal, motorists will be able to turn southbound only. Due to special routes being designed just for Saturday and Sunday races, motorists are encouraged to tune to WTMC 1380 AM and to read the variable message board signs surrounding the Dover area.
The TMC and DelDOT’s Traffic Section will work from the Command Post at the Dover International Speedway with technicians monitoring traffic inside the track facilities and outside on Dover-area roadways. DelDOT’s staff will watch major intersections for proper signal progression, place temporary directional signage, and assist with any incident or congestion problems along major travel routes.
At both of the SR 1 and I-95 Toll Plazas, additional lanes will be open in expectation of traffic congestion. Extra toll operators will be working at the SR 1 Toll Plaza in Dover on Monday, May 16 to assist recreational vehicles leaving the speedway.
Parking Information
Real time race traffic and parking information will be available on DelDOT’s Smartphone application. The DelDOT App is available for Apple & Android smart phones and tablets, and can be downloaded free, search for “DelDOT” at the Apple and Google Play stores. With the DelDOT App you can view real time traffic cameras, travel times, delays, advisories, listen to WTMC 1380 AM travel advisory radio, and much more. The real time travel information is also available on the web at www.map.deldot.gov.
On Sunday, May 15, parking availability for the Race Express Bus shuttle service located at the Blue Hen Corporate Center will be available real-time.
Park & Ride Bus Service
DelDOT and Dover International Speedway are offering race fans a better way to enjoy their stay. If you’re looking for a smart way to get to and from the track, consider using the Race Express Bus service. This bus service is only available on Sunday, May 15. In the event of inclement weather, and the race is postponed there will be NO bus service on Monday, May 16.
On race day, payment will only be accepted by exact cash amount, no change will be available.
You can choose to ride from two locations:
- (1) The Race Express from Christiana Mall Park & Ride in northern Delaware, just off of I-95 takes NASCAR fans directly to Dover International Speedway. The bus service will begin at 8 a.m. with 800 seats available on a first come, first served basis. The cost per person is $12.00 round-trip.
- (2) For $20 per vehicle, NASCAR fans can also park at the Blue Hen Corporate Center located at 655 South Bay Road in Dover. All vehicle occupants can ride the Race Express Bus to and from the Dover International Speedway. The Race Express Bus avoids race day traffic congestion by traveling north on SR 1 to an exclusive bus-only exit ramp leading directly to Dover International Speedway, approximately 12 minutes. The service begins at 8 a.m. and is available to transport passengers back and forth until one (1) hour after the race.
Carry-on items on the buses to the grandstands must conform to Dover International Speedway’s Gate Admission Policy.
For additional race information visit:
- Dover International Speedway’s website at www.doverspeedway.com
- NASCAR’s website at www.NASCAR.com
