To be blunt: If you're not going to Ultra this weekend, avoid downtown. However, if for some reason you find yourself there and need to navigate the traffic mess, here's the 411.

The traffic pattern on Biscayne Boulevard near Bayfront Park will be shifted beginning Thursday at 9 p.m. and will continue through the weekend.

Southbound Biscayne Boulevard traffic will be forced to turn west onto NE Fourth Street and will be rerouted to NE Second Avenue.

Starting at SE First Street, northbound Biscayne traffic will be limited to just two lanes and will be rerouted to southbound lanes on Biscayne until NE Fourth Street.

If you need that info somewhat visualized:

Police officers will be on hand to direct traffic throughout the weekend.

Ultra runs from 4 p.m. till midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, and noon to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Drivers should definitely try to avoid the hours around closing time.

Festival attendees should probably avoid the area by car as well. Parking will be a mess. Public transportation is your best bet.

Hours for Metromover and Metrorail will be extended until "approximately" 1 a.m., per Miami-Dade Transit.

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