CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Major traffic impacts are expected on Friday, after road closures begin for Rev. Billy Graham’s funeral.
It’s affecting everything from school bus routes to airport traffic. Starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, Billy Graham Parkway will be closed between South Tryon and Tyvola.
NCDOT says drivers should expect big delays on Friday.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department made a big announcement about staffing just a day earlier.
“Everyone’s working on Friday, all days are canceled on Friday, no days off on Friday,” said Major Gerald Smith with CMPD.
The city of Charlotte’s website has maps showing alternative routes. Drivers are detoured through South Tryon to Tyvola to avoid Billy Graham Parkway.
Officials say drivers going to the airport from I-77 should take I-485 to the Wilkinson exit. Drivers on I-85 should take Little Rock Road. Both routes lead to Josh Birmingham Parkway.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District tells NBC Charlotte 40 school bus routes will be impacted, but school officials say there are no student pick ups on the Parkway.
Police say they’re well prepared for the heavy traffic.
“Some people may have concerns about traffic, we have staffed up wonderfully for the police department,” says Major Smith.
Billy Graham Parkway is expected to reopen mid-afternoon on Friday.