Whether you're going to the Bernie Sanders rally in Missoula Wednesday, or you just want to avoid the chaos, be prepared for closures and delays near Caras Park. Here are the details on road, parking lot, and trail closures you'll encounter downtown before and during the rally.
Closures in effect from 7:00 a.m. to approximately 3:00 p.m.:
- Higgins Avenue bridge, west side sidewalk from the Wilma to South Third Street West .
- Caras Drive from the New Park lot (behind Stockman’s Bar, north of the Caras Park Pavilion) to the Riverside lot (adjoining Pattee Street)
- New Park lot, closed to cars except some handicapped parking
- The parking lot directly under the Higgins Avenue bridge.
- The Riverfront Trail from the Caras Park restrooms to the Higgins Avenue bridge.
Closure in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.:
- The outside southbound lane of Higgins Avenue from the Wilma across the bridge will be closed but the inside lane will be open.
Open with restrictions
- The Ryman Street entrance to Caras Park will be open, but only for vehicles with lease spots or passes for the Riverside lot (west of Ryman Street and the Caras Park restrooms).
- Pattee Street will remain open down to its end between the Holiday Inn and the Riverside lot.
- The Riverside lot will be open to those with lease spots or passes in it, as well as those with lease spaces under the Higgins Avenue bridge, until Sen. Sanders’ arrival at about 11:50 a.m. and his departure at about 2:50 p.m. Vehicles parked before his arrival will be allowed to stay.
- The event perimeter will be fenced off, from the riverfront on the south to Caras Drive on the north and the east side of the Higgins Avenue bridge to the Caras Park restrooms on the west. Entrance to the event will be on the west side at the restrooms.
Where to park:
This is a good opportunity to use the Park Place and Central Park parking structures. Expect to park and walk to the event. The Missoula Police Department is assisting the U.S. Secret Service, which is in charge of security for the event.
Find more information on the Sanders rally in Missoula, and be aware the campaign is asking people to RSVP for the rally.
