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Health & Fitness

USGA Announces Traffic, Parking Guidelines for 2013 U.S. Open

As the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club nears, the United States Golf Association announces traffic and parking guidelines to ensure the safe and efficient movement of both traffic and pedestrians.

Far Hills, N.J. (May 28, 2013) – In preparation for the 113th U.S. Open Championship, the United States Golf Association (USGA), in conjunction with the Haverford Township Police Department and other local and state agencies, today unveiled a comprehensive transportation plan to ensure the safe and efficient movement of traffic and pedestrians during the championship, scheduled for June 10-16 at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.

More than 16,000 satellite parking spaces have been secured to help ensure that the anticipated 175,000 spectators at the U.S. Open experience trouble-free travel to and from the championship. Local traffic representatives from Haverford and Lower Merion townships, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, State Police, SEPTA and several other jurisdictions have been involved in the 18-month-long planning process with the USGA.

“Through the diligent and collaborative efforts of many individuals and organizations, Haverford Township is well prepared to host the world’s premier golf championship in 2013, the U.S. Open,” said Reg Jones, senior director of U.S. Open operations for the USGA. “The spectator-friendly plan that has been developed will provide safe and efficient access for local workers and residents in areas surrounding the championship, while ensuring safe and orderly parking and shuttle services for all attendees.”

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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 Rose Tree Park (RED Lot) in Media, Pa., and 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.

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  • Spectators utilizing I-76, I-476, I-276 or who are traveling from points west of Philadelphia will be directed to park at Rose Tree Park (RED Lot). From I-476, spectators should take Exit 5 for US-1 South (Springfield/Lima) and follow event trailblazing signs to the RED Lot. Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from the RED Lot and Merion Golf Club should take approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Spectators utilizing I-95, I-295, the New Jersey Turnpike or who are traveling from points east will be directed to park at PPL Park (BLUE Lot).
    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 Rose Tree Park (RED Lot) or 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.”

Accessible parking spaces will be available at all championship parking areas for vehicles displaying appropriate HP/DP license plates or placards. Individuals requiring lift-equipped transportation are encouraged to contact the Transportation Hotline at (800) 698-0661 to obtain additional information regarding parking and transportation.

Alternatives to Driving to the Championship

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will offer two convenient transportation options to and from the U.S. Open using the Regional Rail and the Norristown High Speed Line.

  • Regional Rail Take the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line to the Rosemont Station. Customers using other SEPTA Regional Rail Lines can transfer to the Paoli Line at the 30th Street, Suburban or Market East Stations. Complimentary shuttle bus transportation to and from Rosemont Station and Merion Golf Club will be provided and should take approximately 10 minutes, depending upon traffic. Spectators requiring an accessible station should take the Paoli/Thorndale Line to Radnor Station.
  • Norristown High Speed Line – Take the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) to the Ardmore Avenue Station. Customers can connect to the NHSL at the 69th Street Transportation Center located in Upper Darby,Pa., or the Norristown Transportation Center in Norristown, Pa. The Ardmore Avenue Station is within walking distance of a championship admission gate.

 

Visit SEPTA at www.septa.org for complete, schedule, fare and station location information or call Customer Service (215) 580-7800.

Spectators and local residents wishing to be dropped off at the championship should utilize the Passenger, Taxi or Limousine Drop-Off, located on Hannum Drive in Ardmore, Pa. Vehicles (15-passenger and smaller) should access this area via US-30/Lancaster Avenue. Vehicles traveling eastbound on US-30/Lancaster Avenue are instructed to turn right onto Holland Avenue while vehicles traveling westbound on US-30/Lancaster Avenue are instructed to turn left onto Ardmore Avenue before following event signs to the appropriate drop-off location.

Hannum Drive will also serve as the site for bicycle parking at the championship, in addition to designated locations at Rose Tree Park (RED Lot) and PPL Park (Blue Lot). Bike racks will be provided to secure all bikes and owners are responsible for securing their bikes. Bikes will be left at the owner’s risk.

Groups of spectators arriving at the championship by private coach bus or 16-plus
passenger vehicles will not be allowed to access the Passenger, Taxi or Limousine Drop-Off. They will be directed by law enforcement personnel to park and/or drop-off at PPL Park (BLUE Lot), where U.S. Open shuttles will be available for transportation to and from the championship.

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 www.USOPEN.com

About the USGA
The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and
international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status,
Equipment Standards and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA’s working
jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf
course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s
history and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” charitable giving
program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used
on six continents in more than 50 countries.

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.

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