*** UPDATED FOR 2010: Click here for the 2010 Rhythm & Booms Traffic plan.
TRAFFIC EXIT PLAN
KOBUSSEN SHUTTLE BUSES
Kobussen Buses will operate shuttle buses (yellow school buses) between Warner Park and the MATC parking lot (3,600 stalls) at Anderson and Wright Streets. Kobussen Bus service (yellow school buses) will begin at noon on Saturday with 15-minute intervals. After the event, bus service will be continuous for about one hour after the fireworks. The round-trip fare will be $5.00 (children age four and under will ride free). Rhythm & Booms will also charge a $4.00 parking fee at the MATC lot. Police will give priority to buses along the route. Shuttle service will be available on the Sunday rain date as well.
PARKING
Six parking enforcement officers will be working in the area. Proper parking is an essential component of the safe and orderly movement of traffic. Please look for signage that may restrict parking on streets. Do not block crosswalks, driveways or fire hydrants. It could cost up to $100 if your vehicle is towed. Parking on private property without the owner's permission could cost $40.
Parking is also available at the airport, and will cost $6, but will be payable upon exit and by credit card only.
Motorists parked in the Warner Park parking lot during the fireworks will not be permitted to exit the lot for at least one hour after the fireworks (approximately 11:30 p.m.). Vehicles parked in handicap stalls will be given priority in leaving the park. Vehicles over 8000 lbs. including trucks, buses, motor-homes and campers will NOT be permitted in this lot. Paid parking will be available for large vehicles in the Northside Town Center parking lot across Sherman Avenue from the park.
MINIMIZE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
A goal of this exit traffic plan is to minimize traffic conflicts and delay for pedestrians and the anticipated 50,000 vehicles attempting to leave the Warner Park area. Spectators may help minimize congestion in the following ways:
(1) Take advantage of the Kobussen shuttle bus. Arrive early and park in the MATC parking lot to ride the shuttle bus to and from Warner Park.
(2) Madison Metro will have extra buses at the North Transfer Station, on Huxley at Aberg. Call 266-4466 for schedule and route information. Last bus leaves at 11:30 PM.
(3) Have patience. Approximately 50,000 vehicles will be arriving during the 12 hours prior to the event. There will be extended delays in moving all these vehicles out of the area in the hours after the event concludes.
(4) Park according to your exit direction. Motorists who park in the surrounding neighborhoods should park close to the desired exit direction. For example, those wishing to travel to the northwest should park northwest of Warner Park. The attached map illustrates the desired exit traffic flow pattern. Drivers should review this map and choose a parking area that will minimize travel distance and left turns onto main streets after the event.
(5) Drive away from Warner Park after the event. Motorists who park in the surrounding neighborhoods should park close to the desired exit direction. For example, those wishing to travel to the northwest should park northwest of Warner Park. The attached map illustrates the desired exit traffic flow pattern. Drivers should review this map and choose a parking area that will minimize travel distance and left turns onto main streets after the event.
Suggested routes from Warner Park...
... to Middleton - use East Washington Avenue, Northport Drive or Westport Road
... to Waunakee - use Northport Drive or Westport Road
... to the west side of Madison - use East Washington Avenue
... to the south side of Madison - use East Washington Avenue and John Nolen Dr.
... to the east side of Madison - use Packers Avenue and Highway 30 (Commercial Avenue)
... to I-90/94 - use Packers Avenue to CTH CV, Anderson Street, or Highway 30
