The big event on Kanawha Boulevard might be a "Rod Run," but it's causing local traffic to move at a snail's pace.
The annual classic car show that shuts down Kanawha Boulevard combined with downtown construction projects to create some local traffic tie ups Thursday.
The heaviest traffic resulted in a bottleneck from Capitol Street onto Quarrier Street.
Public Works Director Gary Taylor said the street department is monitoring traffic, but has no plans for alleviating that over the coming days, "other than trying to do some advance warning."
The Rod Run and Doo Wop takes place on Kanawha Boulevard and requires much of the street to be closed through the weekend. Capitol Street was down to one lane at times through Thursday while work was happening at its Quarrier Street intersection.
"If there's a project going on, we're talking with the contractors," Taylor said. "They understand that we've got the event going on the Boulevard. Some are kind of ceasing work until the event is done. They're trying to work with us on it, but they've got a job to get done, too."
Kanawha Boulevard is closed both ways from Ohio Avenue to Capitol Street, and one westbound lane is open from Leon Sullivan Way to Capitol Street. Traffic on streets that give Boulevard access from Virginia Street also has been restricted for the block in between the two, Taylor said.
"This Doo Wop's been going on for 10 years," Taylor said, "and most folks know now to avoid the area."
Sgt. Randy Sampson, of the Charleston Police Department's traffic division, could not be reached for comment Thursday afternoon.
The Rod Run and Doo Wop continues today and runs through Sunday afternoon.
Tonight's 7:30 concert at Haddad Riverfront Park is "Band of Oz." That's followed at 9:30 by "Light up the Night - Flames Erupt from West Virginia Flame Throwers."
Saturday night concerts include The Esquires at 7 p.m., followed by The Legacy Motown Revue at 8 p.m. Fireworks are set for 9:15 p.m.
Reach Rachel Molenda at rachel.molenda@wvgazette.com, 304-348-5102 or follow @rachelmolenda on Twitter.