ICPD issues traffic flow plan for EMSF

Use caution driving by the fairgrounds

 

IMLAY CITY — Visitors to the Eastern Michigan State Fair should have no question when driving to the fairgrounds, as to what is the best route.

Imlay City Police Chief Brett Selby and the department has released a traffic flow map that clearly directs traffic to the fairgrounds.

Of note is the fact that a section of Borland St., between M-53 (Cedar) and S. Almont Ave. is totally closed, except to residents who live on that street.

“When I came to Imlay City, as Traffic Engineer (a role held by the Chief) I decided for safety reasons, we were going to have that stretch of Borland barricaded,” Chief Selby said. “With the history of traffic on M-53, we don’t need traffic to try and turn left on to Borland from M-53 and have accidents.”

Chief Selby warned, “people need to obey the signs. There is a very clear path to the fairgrounds. People need to pack their patience and follow the signs.”

The Chief said the city of a few thousand people isn’t set up to handle a large influx of vehicles or people.

“We’ll have 30,000 people a day coming to the fair. We’ll do the best we can and need the public’s help,” Chief Selby said. “We will have four officers, plus myself there, on the grounds. We also implemented our safety plan for the fair a couple years ago that covers just about any type of event, including severe weather and medical emergencies.”

Chief Selby released the following traffic order for the 2025 Eastern Michigan State Fair:

Temporary Traffic Control Order

I, Brett Selby, Traffic Engineer for the City of Imlay City, Lapeer County Michigan: hereby establish the following temporary Traffic Control Order for the City of Imlay City Michigan.

That there shall be no parking at the following locations from 12:00 midnight Monday July 21, 2025 until 12:00 midnight July 26, 2025:

• South Almont Ave. from a point 500 feet south of Borland Road on both east and west side of the roadway, northerly to the intersection of East First Street.

• Borland Road will be completely closed to vehicular traffic, local traffic only.

• Borland Road on both the north and south side of the roadway from the intersection of south Van Dyke westerly to the intersection of south Almont Avenue.

• Walker Street from the intersection of south Almont Avenue westerly to the end of the street on both the north and south side of the street.

• Cheney Street from the intersection of south Almont Avenue westerly to Melanie Blvd. on both the north and south side of the street.

• Maple Vista Street between Walker Street and Titus Street, both on the east and west side of the roadway.

• Lynn Court both on the north and south sides, entire length of the street.

• Palmer Street both on the north and south sides, from Maple Vista to Almont Avenue.

• Signs will be supplied by Fairgrounds (Except No Parking Police or DPW)

• Sign at M-53/Newark left turn “Event traffic”- fairgrounds

• Shuttle parking signs at school

• No Parking signs: Tutus, Midway and Borland between the school and M-53.

• Full Barricade at Borland off M-53 and at Almont/Borland – no thru traffic or parking on Borland – local traffic only

• As event lot gets full, cars arriving from the north can be directed south on Almont to see signs at Newark of shuttle service at Imlay Schools

• Additional 10-acre public parking available in the vacant lot on Newark just southwest of Almont if needed.

Chief Selby encouraged everyone to have a great time at this year’s fair and stay alert to the weather and their surroundings.