Headache remedies for this weekend’s NASCAR traffic

Thinking about driving near the Sears Point area this weekend?

You likely will save yourself highway hassles and traffic troubles by reviewing how Sonoma Raceway and the California Highway Patrol plan to ease race-day traffic on Sears Point area roadways during this weekend’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

NASCAR’s annual visit to the Sonoma wine country marks one of the Bay Area’s largest single-day sporting events, and the addition of racing fans to the normal wine country visitor traffic puts tremendous strain on the surrounding road systems, particularly the two-lane stretches of Highways 37 and 121.

The heaviest traffic is expected Sunday, and race fans heading to the track are advised to arrive early - gates open at 6 a.m. - to avoid traffic and enjoy the complete race-day experience.

A primary focus of traffic officials is to educate non-race attendees about alternate routes in and out of the Napa and Sonoma valleys.

In past years, up to 85 percent of the drivers passing the raceway on highways 37 and 121 during peak entry and exit times are not attending the event. When combined with race traffic, the results can bring hours of congestion for all drivers.

The raceway’s traffic management plan includes an array of measures intended to divert traffic from the adjacent highways on race day. Some of these initiatives include:

Nearly 50 changeable message signs distributed along highways up to a 15-mile radius around the facility directing ambient traffic away from Highways 37 and 121.

Widespread distribution of traffic warnings, including maps and alternate routes, to local restaurants, hotels and wineries for both residents and visitors.

Seven signs along Highway 121 to direct raceway guests to the appropriate entry gate. The signs will also help explain lane delineation for raceway and Sonoma/Napa traffic.

A traffic manager employed by the raceway working closely with a CHP officer to provide real-time direction to maximize ingress and egress for race traffic.

More than 30 CHP and Caltrans workers executing the traffic plan.

“The raceway has done an excellent job advising residents, businesses and visitors of the Napa and Sonoma valleys with its mailers, signage and electronic message boards,” said CHP Sergeant Brad Bradshaw. “Following the implementation of this new traffic plan in 2014, we have seen a substantial reduction in traffic issues during events around the raceway.”

The raceway also encourages guests to explore two of its most popular mass transit options, including the fourth annual Raceway Fun Train from Sacramento, which will bring nearly 600 race fans to the track by rail, and the SportsFan Express bus program, which is slated to bring in nearly 1,000 fans from 29 locations around Northern California.

For more information about the Toyota/Save Mart 350, Sonoma Raceway’s traffic plan, best routes to and from the race and transportation options, visit sonomaraceway.com or call 800-870-7223.