With construction near State Fair Park, will you have trouble getting to the fair?



WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- The Wisconsin State Fair begins Thursday, July 31st -- and vendors and carnival workers are driving all over State Fair Park's grounds trying to finish setting up. This year, there are some changes for those who plan on driving to the fair.

As crews set up the stands near the Milwaukee Mile on Monday, July 28th, it was tough to find parking. Outside State Fair Park a different kind of work will make parking just a bit more challenging for fair-goers.

Workers are busy -- making sure the rides and games are ready to go for State Fair 2014! The fair opens in just days!

"Really over the past week, a lot of our vendors and concessionaires have been setting up their stands. It`s really exciting to see it all come together," Wisconsin State Fair Communications Manager Kristi Chuckel said.

Outside the gate on the north end of State Fair Park, another crew worked in the parking lot on Monday. They're handling an underground culvert project and as a result, there will be 65 fewer spots available in that lot.

"Overall, parking won`t be much different. We have other lots as well, so the north lot is just one place people can park. People can also park in the infield and as you know, there`s lots of parking in the neighborhoods around the fair as well," Chuckel said.

Another alert for drivers: the 76th Street bridge is out.

In the past, Pius XI High School opened its lot for fair traffic, but school officials say they haven't decided if they'll do that this year.

On the plus side, the 84th Street ramps have reopened near the park, with two lanes open on 84th in each direction.

Kearney Street, the frontage road along the north lot is back open as well.

While there are some obstacles for drivers, fair officials don't expect many problems -- similar to how they describe the situation inside the park.

"Of course there`s some stress, but I would say it`s very exciting. If you look at everyone - our staff, our vendors, our exhibitors - they`re all really excited," Chuckel said.

If you'd rather not drive to the State Fair, there are plenty of other options.

Milwaukee County Transit will run its freeway flyers from four different Park-and-Ride lots.

There will also be shuttles running from Timmerman Airport and Mayfair Mall.

CLICK HERE to visit Wisconsin State Fair's website -- and plan your trip to the fair.

CLICK HERE to learn about shuttles and transportation options being made available during State Fair's run.

CLICK HERE for State Fair transportation information via MCTS' website.