File Photo / The Republican

MGM Springfield and the city have revealed plans to cope with a sharp increase in traffic when the casino opens Aug. 24, including some streets that will be closed, added parking options, and free shuttle buses.

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File Photo / The Republican

MGM Springfield and the city are taking steps to address an influx of traffic that is expected on Interstate 91, seen here in Springfield, and some local roads, when the casino opens on Aug. 24.

For the opening day only, Exit 6 from Interstate 91 North and South will be closed for a few hours beginning at 6 a.m.

Motorists using Interstate 91 and/or the Mass. Turnpike to travel to the MGM casino on the opening day are advised to take the following exits:

From Hartford and points south; Take I-91 North to Exit 5.

From Boston/Worcester and points east: Take Mass Pike (I-90 West) to I-291 West to I-91 South to Exit 4.

From the Berkshires/Albany, New York (and points west), take Mass. Pike east to I-91 South to Exit 7.

From Vermont (and points north), take I-91 South to Exit 7.

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Some roads in the direct vicinity of the casino will be closed beginning at 4 a.m., on Aug. 24, according to the opening day traffic and parking plan.

That includes Main Street, from Court Street to Union Street, fronting the casino.

Other closings are:

State Street, from MGM Way to Dwight Street,

Union Street, from Main Street to Hall of Fame Avenue.

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The MGM Springfield traffic and parking plan for its opening day was shared with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, meeting in Springfield. The traffic plan stated the MGM is expecting "record crowds" on the opening day, which is a Friday.

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MGM Springfield's traffic plan for its opening day on Aug. 24, includes advising visitors to park for free at the Big E in West Springfield where they can board a free express shuttle. Here is file photo of officer directing traffic at the Big E grounds.

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The shuttling of visitors from the Big E grounds to MGM Springfield, via the Memorial Bridge, begins at 6 a.m., under the traffic plan. The buses are scheduled to run every 5 to 10 minutes.

To accommodate the Big E free shuttle, the Memorial Bridge will feature an express lane.

The free bus, and the free parking, will continue until the following day, Aug. 25, at 8 a.m.

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The seven-story MGM Springfield parking garage has 3,400 spaces, with free parking. On the first day, Aug. 24, however, MGM is anticipating large crowds, and strongly advises visitors to consider the Big E shuttle.

"We expect the MGM Parking Garage and other downtown parking to fill early in the day," MGM's traffic and parking plan states.

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Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, appearing before the Gaming Commission, detailed the city's security plans for the downtown area on the opening day and weekend, including a strong police presence in the area of the casino. The officers will also assist with traffic control, and worked in cooperation with state police and the city public works and state highway departments.

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Police Commissioner John Barbieri said that officers will be assigned to four separate quadrants in the downtown area, to enhance security and traffic control. The number of officers has been increased for opening day coverage along with officers on motorcycles.

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Gaming Commission member Gayle Cameron praised everyone involved in the opening day plans, saying it lays the foundation for a smooth opening. "I commend all of you on the level of preparedness."

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MGM Springfield is opening at 11 a.m., on Aug. 24, which is a Friday. Prior to the opening, there will be a parade at 10:30 a.m., involving casino employees, construction workers, local dignitaries, Budweiser Clydesdale horses and surprise entertainment, MGM said.

Guests are invited to view the procession as it travels on Main Street to the casino entrance.

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