Sulphur, Louisiana - Residents and drivers in Sulphur should prepare for several temporary road closures and lane changes on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2025, to accommodate the 17th Annual Park to Park Half Marathon.
According to the City of Sulphur, the closures will be in effect from 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. along key streets used for the race route. The impacts will affect both through traffic and some turning movements, especially near major intersections and residential areas.
Streets Affected By Closures
The city has announced the following closures and lane restrictions:
- Ruth Street – Closed from Cypress Street to Pecan Street.
- Pecan Street – Affected by race activity but open to residential traffic only. Drivers who do not live in the area are asked to avoid using the street as a cut-through.
- Logan Street – Westbound lane closed to regular traffic. Eastbound traffic is expected to remain open, but motorists should anticipate delays.
- Picard Road – Southbound lane closed. Northbound travel should remain available with caution.
- Willow Street – Southbound lane closed from Ash Street to Cypress Street. This will limit access for drivers heading south through that corridor during race hours.
- Cypress Street (Westbound) – North outside lane (near the sidewalk) closed from Willow Street to Beglis Parkway. The closure is designed to create a safer buffer between runners and vehicles.
- Maplewood Drive (Westbound) – North outside lane (near the sidewalk) closed from Louisiana Avenue to Palermo Drive.
All restrictions are scheduled to end by 11 a.m., though drivers should be prepared for brief extensions if race operations or roadway clearing take longer than expected.
Purpose Of The Closures
The closures correspond directly with the 17th Annual Park to Park Half Marathon, a long-distance running event that uses city streets for its 13.1-mile course. The lane and street closures create a controlled route, separating runners from moving vehicles and reducing conflict points at intersections.
While the city’s notice does not provide additional details about the race itself, the pattern of lane closures, particularly along the “near sidewalk” outside lanes on Cypress Street and Maplewood Drive, indicates a focus on keeping participants as far from traffic lanes as possible while still allowing some vehicle flow.
Traffic Impact And Safety Guidance
The City of Sulphur is advising drivers to:
- Follow posted signage along the route. Temporary road signs and barricades will direct traffic around closures and lane shifts.
- Use caution in all affected areas, even where one lane remains open. Drivers may encounter runners, volunteers, and law enforcement personnel along the course.
- Plan alternate routes if traveling through central Sulphur on Saturday morning, especially near Ruth Street, Willow Street, Cypress Street, and Maplewood Drive.
Motorists should allow extra time to reach destinations during the 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. window, particularly if traveling to work, events, or businesses near the race route.
Access For Residents
Pecan Street is specifically listed as open to residential traffic, meaning people who live on that street should still be able to reach their homes. However, they may face brief delays or be asked to wait until it is safe to cross or enter the race route.
Residents on or near other affected streets may also experience limited access or detours while closures are in place. The city’s notice emphasizes that all drivers should proceed slowly and follow directions from signage or personnel in the area.
City’s Message To Drivers
In its announcement, the City of Sulphur urges the public to “follow signage and use caution when driving in these areas.” The instruction applies to both local residents and drivers passing through Sulphur during the event.
No additional information about parking, or specific viewing areas for the half marathon was included in the notice.