Understanding the Traffic Effects of the Masters in Augusta
As the city prepares for Masters Week, local officials, including the city’s traffic engineering division, work tirelessly to manage the increased flow of vehicles, prevent accidents, and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
In this blog, we will explore how events like the Masters affect the traffic effects of the Masters, including traffic volume, pedestrian traffic, and the temporary changes made to Augusta’s roads. We’ll also touch on how these changes impact local businesses, such as those near National Hills Shopping Center, and how authorities use traffic control measures to direct drivers.
If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident during Masters Week, Augusta’s car accident lawyers can help guide you through your case and offer the expertise needed to seek compensation.
The Traffic Effects of the Masters Tournament
The traffic effects of the Masters are felt long before the first tee shot of the tournament, with an increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. With visitors arriving in droves from both within Georgia and South Carolina, the roads leading to the Augusta National Golf Club become busy intersections for several days.
Increased Traffic Volume
During Masters Week, the traffic effects of the Masters are particularly noticeable on major roads like Washington Road, River Watch Parkway, and Calhoun Expressway The traffic volume increases as visitors head towards the event, and local motorists often face longer commutes due to the influx of out-of-town drivers.
To manage this, temporary traffic signals are put in place along key routes like River Ridge Drive and near the Washington Road off ramp. The traffic plan for this period aims to direct drivers more efficiently and reduce potential accidents.
Local motorists are encouraged to adjust their schedules and use alternate routes when possible to avoid the worst of the Masters traffic.
Managing Masters Week Traffic with Temporary Signals
The traffic effects of the Masters make it necessary to adjust traffic control measures, including installing temporary signals. These temporary signals are placed strategically at intersections like those near the National Hills Baptist Church and National Hills Shopping Center, where pedestrian traffic is particularly high. These signals help manage the flow of pedestrian traffic and vehicles, reducing the likelihood of accidents in high-traffic areas.
How Temporary Signals Help
- Improve signal timing: By adjusting signal timing and adding new temporary signals, traffic is directed more efficiently, avoiding bottlenecks.
- Direct pedestrians: Areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near the official hospitality venue, are managed to keep both vehicles and pedestrians safe.
- Alleviate congestion: Temporary signals help disperse traffic and reduce the chances of long delays in areas like Wheeler Road, where the traffic effects of the Masters are especially noticeable.
Pedestrian Traffic and Safety
As the world’s eyes turn to Augusta during the Masters, pedestrian traffic raises pedestrian traffic on sidewalks and in parking areas near the Augusta National and Surrey Center. Pedestrians frequently cross streets, adding an additional layer of complexity to the already high traffic volumes. With increased pedestrian traffic, the traffic effects of the Masters require extra measures for safety and smooth flow.
The traffic control measures in place are designed to ensure pedestrian safety. Temporary barriers, signal timing adjustments, and street closures around downtown Augusta help keep pedestrians away from high-speed traffic lanes.
Local Businesses and the Masters
The Masters Tournament provides a huge boost to Augusta’s local economy, with businesses near Washington Road, River Watch, and National Hills Shopping Center seeing an influx of customers.
Restaurants and stores, such as those near TGI Friday’s lot and the restaurant location in Surrey Center, benefit from the influx of visitors. However, the congestion caused by Masters traffic can make access difficult for local customers, raising challenges for business owners.
How Businesses Adjust to Masters Week
- Offer alternate routes: Businesses near busy intersections provide customers with Google Maps directions or advise them to use alternative routes like Berckmans Road to avoid heavy traffic.
- Adjust operating hours: Some local businesses adjust their hours to accommodate Masters Week motorists, offering extended service hours or special promotions for event attendees.
- Coordinate with local traffic: Business owners work with the city’s traffic engineering division to ensure their operations are not negatively impacted by the congestion.
Due to the traffic effects of the Masters, businesses in the area need to adjust their operations to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Augusta’s Traffic Plan for Masters Week
Every year, the city’s traffic engineering division works closely with local law enforcement to develop a comprehensive traffic plan for Masters Week.
This plan includes special road closures, detours, and temporary signals. While it is impossible to completely avoid delays, these measures significantly reduce the risk of accidents and help traffic flow more smoothly.
Some of the key changes include:
- Closures of certain roads: High-traffic roads like Berckmans Road and River Watch Parkway are either partially or fully closed to allow for better traffic control.
- Increased police presence: Officers are stationed at critical intersections such as the intersection near the former Electrolux building to ensure drivers follow traffic rules and keep accidents at bay.
- Signage and updates: Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze provide users with real-time traffic updates and direct drivers to the best available routes, ensuring they avoid congested areas.
Parking and Shuttle Services
One of the main challenges for both local and out-of-town visitors is parking. To address this, Augusta officials make use of overflow parking areas like those near the TGI Friday’s lot and along Washington Road.
Shuttle services are available to take visitors directly to the Augusta National Golf Club, ensuring that visitors can park safely without contributing to traffic congestion.
Managing Accident Risks
With the increase in traffic effects of the Masters, the city implements various strategies to reduce accident risks during the tournament:
- Enhanced traffic signals: As mentioned, traffic signals are carefully timed and often replaced with temporary signals to direct the flow of traffic more efficiently.
- Public safety campaigns: Local authorities encourage both morning motorists and pedestrian traffic to stay vigilant and obey traffic laws.
- Pre-event preparations: In advance of the event, city workers ensure that roads are in optimal condition, and accident-prone areas like the intersection near Alexander Drive are addressed.
Stay Safe During Masters Week: Contact Horst Shewmaker, Augusta Personal Injury Lawyer
The traffic effects of the Masters extend far beyond congestion, impacting everything from local motorists and pedestrian traffic to the daily flow of Augusta’s roads and businesses. While the surge in traffic during Masters Week is inevitable, the city’s traffic engineering division works tirelessly to minimize risks by implementing temporary signals, optimizing traffic control, and adjusting parking plans. These efforts help keep both visitors and locals safe during the event.
However, despite these precautions, accidents can still happen, and the consequences can be severe. If you are involved in an accident during Masters Week, it’s crucial to seek expert legal advice. Horst Shewmaker, an experienced Augusta personal injury lawyer, can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait—contact Horst Shewmaker today (404) 400-1175 to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the assistance you need. Stay safe, plan ahead, and enjoy the Masters Tournament responsibly.
