REMINDER: HEAVY TRAFFIC EXPECTED FOR HERITAGE FESTIVAL EVENTS

   COLUMBUS -- Heavy traffic is expected in The Ohio State University area Saturday afternoon and evening (5/15) as several thousand visitors attend African American Heritage Arts Festival events from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.

   Drivers not planning to attend the festival are encouraged to avoid the campus area, especially High Street from Fifth Avenue to Lane Avenue. To avoid possible delays, motorists should find alternate routes around the campus area.

   Those attending either “The Fest,” from 3 to 10 p.m. on the Oval, or “The Party,” from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. at French Field House, 460 Woody Hayes Drive, are encouraged to arrive early, park and walk to events.

   Festival-goers coming from north or south of campus are encouraged to take state Route 315 to the Lane Avenue exit and head east toward campus. Those coming from the east are advised to take I-71 to the 5th, 11th or 17th avenue exits to Fourth Street. Police officers will direct festival-goers to available parking and provide directions.

   Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in all campus parking lots and garages. Parking lots around Ohio Stadium and Morrill and Lincoln towers will be filled first for The Party. Those arriving later in the evening for The Party will be directed to the nearest lots by traffic officers. There will be no parking on 12th Avenue from High Street to Summit Street. The Campus Area Bus Service will operate on a shortened loop of campus. Bus services will be available to all festival attendants.

   Police will limit parking in the neighborhood between High and Fourth streets. Residents may need to show drivers licenses and/or student I.D. cards for access.

Contact: Cynthia McDonald-DeVese, African American Student Services, (614) 292-6584