Azerbaijan: Numerous road closures, traffic detours to be imposed in central Baku May 31-June 8 for Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix

Event

Authorities in Baku plan to impose numerous road closures and detours along major thoroughfares in the city center as part of preparations for the upcoming Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix race. While the race itself will take place June 4-6, special traffic controls will be in effect May 31-June 8. Lane and/or road closures, along with associated traffic diversions, will impact sections of several of the Azerbaijani capital's primary streets and avenues, including Kovkab Safaraliyeva, Richard Zorge, Aleksandr Pushkin, Bulbul, Samed Vurgun, Teymur Elchin, Mehdi Huseyn, Lermontov, Azerbaijan, Mikayil Huseynov, Sheikh Shamil, and Yusif Safarov, among others. Roads that constitute part of the Baku City Circuit racecourse, such as Neftchiler, Istiqlaliyat, Niyazi, and Khagani, may also be closed on certain days in addition to scheduled racing dates.

Severe transport disruptions are likely throughout central Baku for the duration of the event. The Baku City Traffic Police are advising motorists to avoid driving their private vehicles in the city center while the announced road restrictions are in place and to use public transportation instead. Authorities will almost certainly deploy heavy security across Baku due to the racing event's high international profile.

Advice

To the extent possible, avoid driving in central Baku through June 8. If driving in the downtown area cannot be avoided, exercise increased caution as road closures and traffic detours will likely make driving conditions more hazardous. Allow significant extra time for travel in the city center, even if using public transport; plan accordingly for increased crowding on metro trains and city buses, as well as increased demand for taxis. Heed the instructions of local security personnel.

Resources

Baku City Traffic Police