CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) —Downtown drivers can expect significant road closures on Saturday, Nov. 29, as the Champaign City Partnership hosts the Annual Parade of Lights, which begins this year at a newly scheduled start time of 5 p.m. To prepare for the event, several streets along the parade route will close to traffic starting at 4 p.m. and will reopen once the parade has concluded.
The affected streets include Neil Street between University Avenue and Columbia Street; Main Street between Neil and Chestnut; Washington Street between Neil and Walnut; Chester Street between Market and Neil; and Walnut Street between Washington and University Avenue. In addition, Taylor Street between Neil and Walnut will close earlier in the day at 10 a.m.
Parking meters along these streets may be used until 4 p.m., but all parked vehicles must be moved before closures take effect. Any cars left in restricted areas will be relocated, city officials said. Free parking will be available at the Hill Street Parking Deck throughout the day.
Detours around the downtown area will direct traffic to State Street, Randolph Street, and University Avenue.
The city also advises drivers that the south portion of the Neil and Washington parking lot will be closed for Winter Fest activities. Limited parking will remain available in the northern section of that lot as well as in the Walnut and Washington lot, though entering or leaving either lot will not be possible once the parade is underway.
For a full schedule of Parade of Lights and Winter Fest activities, residents can visit the Champaign Center Parade of Lights website. City officials encourage attendees to plan ahead and allow extra time for parking and travel.