Traffic tips for driving Downtown during FFA

By now you've probably noticed the thousands of students in the navy jackets with the gold accents roaming Downtown Indianapolis in packs.

You've probably also noticed that with them out and about, the act of getting from point A to point B in already busy areas such as Georgia Street and Monument Circle can be challenging.

The jackets and the traffic headaches are just some of the byproducts of the National FFA Convention & Expo making its return to Indianapolis this week, and it's a big deal. In fact, it's one of the biggest deals Downtown will see all year as the event draws 64,000 visitors and more than $36 million in business to the heart of the Circle City.

But during rush hour, the walking patterns of the blue-clad students can be unpredictable. Equally unpredictable are the rotating road closures Downtown between now and the end of the conference Saturday.

So if you'll be driving in the area over the next few days, here's what you need to know, according to a traffic alert from the Downtown Indy Blog:

From Thursday through Saturday, the south lane of Georgia Street will be closed between Pennsylvania Street and Capitol Avenue between 6 a.m. and midnight. Traffic officers will be in the area during rush hour to assist pedestrians and vehicles using Downtown garages, but expect slow-moving traffic.

On Thursday, the Run(317) Series - Fountain Square will result in partial road closures between 6 and 8 p.m. along the route that begins and ends at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful.

Making Strides against Breast Cancer will begin and end at Victory Field on Saturday morning and will result in partial closures between 6 and 11 a.m. along the route.

Saturday morning also will see the start of the Rock to Read Run, which will begin and end at the Central Library. The west lane of Meridian Street will be closed between Walnut and St. Clair streets between 9 and 9:30 a.m., and the west lane of Pennsylvania Street will be closed between St. Clair and Ninth streets between 9 and 10:15 a.m.

FFA convention returns to Indy next week and will bring 64,000 visitors with it

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.