Officials anticipate large crowds for airshow, early arrival advised
By Jenna Wilson
With the renowned Sound of Speed Airshow taking place all weekend long, it’s important for travelers to plan for traffic.
Over the two-day span of the airshow, officials are expecting a minimum of 80,000 people to attend the event and have been planning ahead to control the flow of traffic.
“It’s going to be pretty busy,” said Julius Rice, Rosecrans airport manager. “We’ve been hard at it as a committee for well over the past year, especially here in the last several months, it’s just been ramping up.”
The airshow isn’t expected to cause any significant road closures, according to state troopers, but as drivers near the airport, Road 238 will become a one-way heading north at the start of the day.
Traffic will be heavy while trying to get into the show and event organizers suggest arriving early or upgrading your parking to avoid missing performances.
“Anyone with tickets to the show this weekend should plan to leave the house early due to the influx of people we’ll have in this area,” Rice said. “I would even recommend getting upgraded parking passes, especially for families, because the benefits for that are twofold. One, you’re closer to the gate but also closer to the highway. So, you can get ahead of the free parking traffic and get on the road a little sooner once the show ends.”
Traffic flow will flip at the conclusion of the airshow, becoming a one-way headed south from Road 238 to U.S. 36. Drivers heading east on U.S. 36 will then approach a lane drop.
“Whenever you get onto 36, that is going to be blocked where you can get right into the driving lane because other eastbound traffic is going to have to yield to get over into the passing lane,” said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
State troopers will be monitoring traffic flow and manually controlling traffic lights at 36 highway to Interstate 229. Traffic will be congested at the conclusion of both airshow days and cautious driving is advised.
“Everybody is trying to get to and from the airshow to have a good time with their families, so just be patient,” Hux added. “Our main goal is always for people to make it home safely.”
Another thing officials want people to note: Have all parking passes visible in vehicles so officials can direct drivers to their designated parking area and minimize as much traffic as possible.
The airshow offers free entry with general admission as well as free parking, but attendees can purchase upgraded parking and seating by visiting, stjairshow.com/tickets/.
