Organizers and law enforcement have begun preparations for the 75th annual Iroquois Steeplechase.
Gates at Steeplechase were set to open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and with an influx of 25,000 people expected to attend, Metro Police had their helicopter up flying the traffic routes Friday.
According to organizers, Old Hickory Boulevard will be closed at Vaughan Road heading westbound. It will be one way in and one way out until traffic dies down at the start and finish of the event.
"Then starting at about 3 o’clock when we start to get some egress all roads will lead away from steeplechase on Old Hickory Blvd toward highway 100 and east bound toward Hillsboro,” said Chip Henslee, Senior Program Manager for Event Logistics Inc.
General admission parking will be on Highway 100, with shuttles transporting patrons to the event.
Only vehicles with parking permits will be allowed to park on or immediately adjacent to the Steeplechase grounds.
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Old Hickory Boulevard will be reopened, as volume allows, to two-way traffic.
At 4 p.m., Old Hickory Boulevard will be closed to westbound traffic at Hillsboro Road. In addition, inbound Old Hickory Boulevard traffic will be closed at Highway 100. The roads will be fully reopened once the heavy traffic dies down.
