Getting to the U.S. Open: If you drive
UPDATE: The lot in Media, Pa., that had been set for use as one of the main spectator parking lots has been shut down due to this week's bad weather. All spectators who want to drive to the U.S. Open should go to PPL Park in Chester. Get more details below.
For the first time in 32 years, the U.S. Open will come to the Philly region June 13-16 when the world's best golfers take on the East Course at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore.
Officials in Delaware County and the U.S. Golf Association have been preparing for the roughly 100,000 spectators and — thousands of volunteers as well — who will come to the course on Ardmore Avenue near Route 30 for the four-day tournament starting Thursday, June 13. Thousands of fans will also commute to the golf course for practice rounds earlier in the week.
For those who plan to drive to the Open, the USGA and townships around Merion have released traffic and parking plans, including making available more than 16,000 satellite parking spaces. Here's a look at the details released by the USGA this week:
Event Parking and Routes to the Championship
All general spectators traveling by car to the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club should follow event trailblazing signs to the nearest spectator parking area. Complimentary general spectator parking will be provided at PPL Park (BLUE Lot) in Chester, Pa.
Approximately 175 complimentary shuttle buses will transport spectators to and from Merion Golf Club and will run continuously from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the championship. Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from the BLUE Lot and Merion Golf Club should take approximately 35 minutes, depending upon traffic.
From I-95, spectators should take Exit 4 for US-322 East (Commodore Barry Bridge/New Jersey) and follow event trailblazing signs to the BLUE Lot.
From the New Jersey Turnpike, spectators should take Exit 2 for US-322 West (Swedesboro/Glassboro) and follow event trailblazing signs to the BLUE Lot.
From I-295 southbound, spectators should take Exit 13 for (US-130 South/US-322 West/Commodore Barry Bridge) and follow US-322 West and event trailblazing signs to the BLUE Lot.
From I-295 northbound, spectators should take Exit 11B for US-322 West (Bridgeport/Commodore Barry Bridge) and follow event trailblazing signs to the BLUE Lot.
"Unless the ticket holder has a championship-specific parking pass, all general spectators traveling by car should utilize parking at PPL Park (BLUE Lot)," said John Viola, deputy chief of the Haverford Township Police. "There will be no championship parking for general spectators in the immediate vicinity of Merion Golf Club. Vehicles that are parked illegally will be subject to ticketing, fines and towing."
Road Restrictions
A number of roadways will be closed for the duration of the championship and be restricted to championship-only vehicles displaying the proper permit and/or placard. No other vehicular or pedestrian traffic, including bicycles, will be permitted during the active hours of the road closures.
Haverford Road, between College Avenue and Ardmore Avenue – Closed June 9-17, 24 hours.
Golf House Road, between College Avenue and Ardmore Avenue – Closed June 8-17, 24 hours.
Ardmore Avenue, between Darby Road and Haverford Road – Closed June 9-17, 24 hours.
College Avenue will become one way for local residents towards Haverford Road beginning at the eastern intersection of Coopertown Road/College Avenue – During June 10-17, 24 hours
West Ardmore Avenue between Darby Road and Ellis Road – Closed June 10-17, from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (resident traffic only).
Ellis Road between West Ardmore Avenue and Lawrence Road – Closed June 10-17, from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. (resident traffic only).
Golfview Road between Ardmore Avenue and Sunnybrook Lane – Closed June 9-17, 24 hours.
A detour signage plan utilizing Lancaster Avenue (U.S. 30) and Wynnewood Road will be implemented to facilitate vehicular movement around the planned Haverford Road closure.
Message to Local Residents and Businesses
Area residents and local businesses are asked to be mindful of the following guidelines during the week of the championship to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Due to U.S. Open traffic, delays can be expected during peak arrival and departure times (7-11 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m.) in the immediate vicinity of Rose Tree Park (RED Lot), including but not limited to the following locations:
I-476 South and U.S. 1 Interchange.
Palmers Mill Road (PA 252) between Media Bypass (U.S. 1) and West Chester Pike (PA 3).
E. Rose Tree Road between N. Providence Road (PA 252) and State Road.
Media Line Road between Palmers Mill Road (PA 252) and West Chester Pike (PA 3).
West Chester Pike (PA 3) between Palmers Mill Road (PA 252) and Eagle Road.
Due to U.S. Open shuttle traffic, delays can be expected during peak arrival and departure times (7-11 a.m. and 3:30-7:30 p.m.) in the immediate vicinity of Rosemont Station, including but not limited to the following locations:
Airdale Road between Lancaster Ave. (U.S. 30) and Montgomery Avenue.
Montrose Ave. between Lancaster Ave. (U.S. 30) and Airdale Road.
Norwood Ave. between Lancaster Ave. (U.S. 30) and Montrose Ave.
Lancaster Ave. between Airdale Road and County Line Road.
Shuttle traffic is expected to be heavy along the primary routes in and around Merion Golf Club. Motorists should compensate for delays when traveling along the following routes:
Bryn Mawr Ave. between West Chester Pike (PA 3) and County Line Road.
Darby Road from College Ave. to Eagle Road.
Marple Road between West Chester Pike (PA 3) and Darby Road.
Lawrence Road between West Chester Pike (PA 3) and Ellis Road.
Ardmore Avenue between Lancaster Ave. (U.S. 30) and Haverford Road.
College Ave. between Darby Road and Haverford Road.
For more information on the 2013 U.S. Open and for regular transportation updates, visit http://www.USOPEN.com.