Duluth parade will affect traffic, parking on Friday

Motorists can expect to see a lot of road closures, detours and parking restrictions in downtown Duluth during Friday evening’s Christmas City of the North Parade.
The parade will start at 6:20 p.m. and run along Superior Street from Ninth Avenue East to Fourth Avenue West, before dispersing onto Michigan Street.
London Road will close to vehicle traffic from 10th Avenue East to 14th Avenue East at 4 p.m. to allow for a staging area. Superior and Michigan streets will be closed at 5:45 p.m., although cars will be allowed to leave Michigan Street parking lots and ramps and be directed to the Interstate 35 off-ramp to Fifth Avenue West.
No-parking zones will be in effect for meters in front of the Pickwick restaurant after noon, the London Road corridor after 3 p.m., Superior Street from 10th Avenue East to Fifth Avenue West after 5 p.m., and Michigan Street between First and Fifth avenues West after 5 p.m. Violators will be tagged and towed.
DTA buses will use First Street for westbound runs along the parade route, and Second Street for eastbound runs. Other traffic detours will be posted. Access to Canal Park and Park Point will be via Fifth Avenue West only.
Traffic to St. Luke’s hospital can take First Street or Second Street and park in the ramp on the lower side of First Street or access the emergency department on the upper side of the street
Free parking will be offered to parade spectators at numerous downtown ramps and lots after 5 p.m.
Downtown traffic is expected to return to normal by 8:30 p.m.