Forensics tourney prompts traffic changes

An estimated 6,000 students from across the state and more than 600 judges will be converging on the campus April 6-7 to participate in the annual Wisconsin High School Forensic Association State Speech Festival.

Competition will be taking place in approximately 250 rooms in 15 buildings on or near Bascom Hill, with the headquarters of the festival located in 272 Bascom Hall.

Because of the large numbers of visitors and school buses expected, Observatory Drive traffic will be limited to one way westbound from Park Street to Charter Street between mid-afternoon and 10 p.m. Friday, April 6, and from 8 a.m. -3 p.m. on Saturday, April 7.

During that time, motorists using Bascom Hill parking lots 9, 10 and 11 will only be able to access those lots by entering Observatory Drive from Park Street. When leaving the lots, they will have to turn left toward Charter Street.

The hill is expected to be heavily congested with bus and pedestrian traffic late on Friday afternoon.