Street closures to affect downtown area traffic

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- The Austin Police Department Friday advised of street closures and events through Saturday that will affect downtown area traffic.

Motorcyclists have arrived in town for the Republic of Texas (ROT) Rally. APD would like to remind the community to drive with caution due to the increased number of motorcycles in the area.

On Friday, the ROT Rally Parade will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Travis County Exposition Center on Decker Lane and end on Congress Avenue.

During this time, Second to 11th streets between Brazos and Colorado will be closed. Street closures begin at 6 p.m. and will reopen by 3 a.m.

On Saturday, the following events will take place:

• The Peace of Mind 5K will close Congress between the 1700 and 1800 blocks. Traffic control will be in place as some lanes will be closed for runners. The race will begin at 17th and Congress. The race route takes runners from MLK Boulevard to Guadalupe to Dean Keaton to Red River to 15th Street to Congress and back to 17th Street. Street closures will begin at 6 a.m. and reopen by 11 a.m.
• The Sugar Run 5K will take place on Saturday and will not require any street closures. Traffic control, however, will be in place for precautionary measures. The run begins at 8 a.m.
• The 2008 Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Pride Festival and Parade will begin at 8 p.m. on the South First Bridge and go north to the Fourth Street Warehouse District. The South First Bridge, Lavaca to Cesar Chavez Streets and Fourth and Fifth streets between Guadalupe and Congress will be closed during this time and reopening around 11 p.m.