Charity Preview To Bring 17,500 to Downtown Detroit on Friday, January 12

    DETROIT, Jan. 10 Roughly 17,500 people are expected to
attend the Detroit Auto Dealers Association's North American International
Auto Show Charity Preview on Friday, January 12, with thousands of ticket
holders arriving around 5:30 p.m.  The Detroit Police Department issued a
travel advisory to alert the public of detours and possible traffic delays.
    "We're excited that we will have a number of special events occurring that
will bring thousands of residents and visitors into the downtown area," said
Renee Walker, the City's Chief of Protocol.  "Everyone traveling into downtown
Detroit should plan to leave for their destinations early and use alternate
routes."
    Motorists on their way to Windsor, Canada and beyond are advised to use
the Ambassador Bridge instead of the tunnel.  Traffic flowing into the
downtown area is expected to be extremely heavy.  Workers exiting downtown are
encouraged to use northbound thoroughfares such as Woodward Avenue, Cass
Avenue or the I-75 Freeway.
    There will be a strong police presence in the downtown area on Friday
evening.  Uniformed officers will direct traffic to assist motorists.
    "We want everyone to enjoy the evening, free from any concerns about
safety and security for themselves and their vehicles," said Paula Bridges,
Second Deputy Chief of Public Information for the Detroit Police Department.
    Motorists should be on the lookout for shuttle buses traveling eastbound
on Congress from nearby parking structures to drop off visitors at Cobo
Center.  The Police Department will also coordinate the flow of traffic in
these areas:
    *  Atwater Street behind the Renaissance Center through to Joe Louis Arena
will be closed to traffic on Friday.  Only D-DOT buses will be allowed to
travel and park in this area beginning at 6 p.m.
    *  The Civic Center ramp off eastbound Jefferson will be closed to traffic
starting at 6 p.m.
    *  Shelby will be closed between Larned and Jefferson Avenue starting at
5 p.m.  The Larned exit on the southbound John C. Lodge Freeway will be closed
at 7:30 p.m.

    Congestion and delays are expected on the southbound John C. Lodge
Freeway.  Motorists may want to travel a different southbound route to Cobo
Center.
    Individuals are encouraged to utilize City of Detroit Municipal Parking
facilities along the Detroit People Mover route.  Two People Mover stations --
Grand Circus Park and Cadillac Square -- are closed due to construction.  The
People Mover fare is 50 cents.
    Limousines, service cars and shuttle vans and mini-buses will be the only
vehicles allowed to pass in front of Cobo Center.  No vehicles will be allowed
to stand or park at the meters near Cobo Center.
    All traffic restrictions will be lifted after 10 p.m.