Motorists will find it harder to "get there from here," for a week or so in and around the Republican National Convention.
St. Paul police announced Friday a "no vehicle zone" surrounding the Xcel Energy Center, which will take effect after rush hour Friday evening, August 29.
Click here to see a map of the restrictions
It will end before Saturday, September 6.
Police will close roads in a several square block area around the arena. No cars or bicycles will be allowed inside a zone bounded by Chestnut Street, Shepard Road, St. Peter Street, and 11th Street.
Bicycles will be prohibited to prevent people from bringing things they shouldn't inside that area, said Assistant Police Chief Matt Bostrom.
But pedestrians will be allowed to walk inside that area. They'll be stopped at a security perimeter closer to the Xcel, and will need a credential to get any further. That area has not been announced.
Detour routes will be posted and Metro Transit plans to add buses to help handle possible increases in bus ridership.
Communities meetings to explain the changes will be held on Monday night, August 11, from 6 to 7pm, and Wednesday from 8 to 9am, ikn room 40, of St. Paul City Hall.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
