Traffic and Parking Advisory for the Christmas City of the North Parade Tonight

The Christmas City of the North Parade is a tradition.  Before the smiles can begin,  things need to fall into place. First, pick kids up from daycare, then, dig out warm clothes for everyone, figure out what to make for dinner, make it and get the milk back in the fridge before you head out the door.  Don't let "trying to find a parking spot", or an unexpected closed street make your evening more stressful.  Here is the traffic advisory from the Duluth Police Department:

Obviously, the 54th Annual Christmas City of the North Parade will be held on Superior Street in Downtown Duluth and is slated to start at 6:20 p.m.

Essentially, the parade route is the same as last year. Parade units will assemble on Railroad Street, then travel east on Railroad Street to Lake Avenue, proceed North across the Lake Avenue Viaduct, then turn west on Superior Street to the termination point at 5th Avenue West.

Traffic diversions will start early, at 2:00p. The parade should end approximately at 8:30p. Starting at 2:00 p.m. Railroad Street between Lake Avenue and Canal Park Drive will be closed to facilitate the set up of KBJR’s television coverage .

At 3 pm the Railroad Street closure will be extended to Garfield Avenue for parade lineup.  At 6 pm the remainder of the Parade route will be closed to traffic.

The only access to the Canal Park area and Park Point will be from the Lake Avenue Viaduct to Canal Park Drive. Traffic around the Railroad Street area will be very limited. Lake Avenue South will be closed to northbound traffic at Buchanan Street, however the Lake Avenue entrance to Red Lobster will remain open. All other northbound traffic should detour to Canal Park Drive.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. I-35 Northbound and Southbound exits onto Lake Avenue will be closed for duration of the parade. Travelers going to Canal Park or Park Point will have to use alternate routes from the east to access Lake Avenue.

The only access to the D.E.C.C. , will be down 5th Avenue West to Harbor Drive, and around the back of the DECC to the East gate near the Irvin. Motorists are encouraged to take I-35 N/B to the 5th Ave West exit, or 6th Ave West to Michigan Street past the Depot to 5th Ave West and down to Harbor Drive.

Superior Street traffic should use Michigan, First, or Second Streets during the parade. DTA buses will use 1st Street for Westbound routes, and 2nd Street for Eastbound routes.

No Parking:

-Superior Street after 5:00 p.m. from 6th Avenue West to Lake Avenue, both sides. This will include handicap zones.

-Michigan Street after 5:00 p.m., between 5th and 6th Avenues West, both sides. This will include handicap zones.

-Harbor Drive is no parking.

Cars parked in violation of the posted no parking may be tagged and towed after 5:00 p.m.