Expect a tie-up in Sonoma Raceway Sunday traffic

Sonoma Raceway will host the Grand Prix of Sonoma Verizon IndyCar Series season finale race today, Sunday, Sept. 16.

But all the action won't be on the track. Traffic on the surrounding roadways may be impacted, particularly the two-lane stretches of Highways 37 and 12. The raceway expects traffic to be most affected today, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and again from 5 - 8 p.m.

Race fans heading to the track are advised to arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy the complete race-day experience before the green flag falls at 3:30 p.m. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day.

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

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

Signs placed 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.

The raceway employs a traffic manager, who works closely with CHP to provide real-time direction to maximize ingress and egress for raceway traffic.

Sonoma Raceway has worked closely with the CHP and Caltrans to develop and execute this plan, which will utilize more than 30 CHP and Caltrans workers on race day.

To ensure sufficient parking for guests with disabilities, Sonoma Raceway will continue to work with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office on a stringent placard check. Sheriffs will check each car and driver for its Handicap Placard, matching paperwork with name and placard number and a valid Driver's License. Persons displaying fake or placards that are not their own will be fined, ticketed and required to appear in court.

For more information about the Grand Prix of Sonoma, visit www.sonomaraceway.com/indycar.