City of Augusta unveils Masters traffic plan

This year’s Masters traffic plan will look familiar to Augustans and many tournament visitors.

“We found a successful plan in the last few years and we’re sticking with it,” Traffic Engineer Steve Cassell said.

Engineers will close the Interstate 20 eastbound on-ramp to Washington Road each morning, convert Berckmans Road to one-way traffic from 4 to 9 p.m. each day of Masters Week beginning April 6 and use Alexander Drive to pull drivers back to Washington Road from River Watch Parkway.

Cassell said the 50,000 to 60,000 vehicles traveling on Washington Road each day during the Masters Tournament find a much smoother traffic flow compared to about 10 years ago before engineers found the traffic combinations that worked.

Crews still have to make a few adjustments, like putting up changeable message signs along the interstate and re-striping some lanes on Alexander Drive.

Cassell said the changeable message signs have had the biggest impact. The signs, which extend back into Columbia County on the interstate, are especially helpful to first-time patrons who are most common during practice rounds and to remind travelers where to go during traffic closures.

The I-20 ramp to Washington Road will close to traffic at 7:30 a.m. each day regardless of traffic flow. It will reopen around 9:30 to 10 a.m. after traffic lessens. Traffic will be diverted to River Watch Parkway, where it will either be directed to Alexander Drive or through downtown.

Other changes to normal traffic operations include turn restrictions on Stanley Drive for egress traffic. Motorists leaving the course on Stanley Drive will only be allowed to go straight to Alexander Drive or turn right toward downtown.

Practice round days are the biggest challenge for traffic engineers. Not only are first-time visitors unfamiliar with the area, but the course closes earlier, meaning traffic from the course hits at the same time as rush hour. Tournament days are easier as engineers and police deal with patrons more familiar with the area who know where to park and walk.

Traffic engineers will be working with deputies and monitor traffic flow through cameras to adjust traffic routes as needed. Two DOT HERO trucks, which are equipped with digital message boards, carry water, gas and can pull at 80,000-pound vehicle, will be on hand during the week to help alleviate any stalled vehicles that could impede traffic.

Follow Augusta’s traffic engineers on Twitter at @arctraffic and at Facebook.com/ARCTraffic for more updates to traffic conditions throughout the week.