By Robert Haugh

Beginning Wednesday, Santa Clara will begin closing major roads around Levi’s Stadium ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 8.

It’s a high-security zone that will create two weeks of traffic headaches for Mission City residents and local drivers.

Tasman Drive will be shut down between Calle Del Sol and Great America Parkway from Wednesday through Feb. 13. 

On Super Bowl Sunday, the lockdown expands further, with Great America Parkway closed between Patrick Henry Drive and Bunker Hill Lane.

Stars and Stripes Drive has already been closed since Jan. 5 and will remain inaccessible until Feb. 22. That closure affects not just drivers, but cyclists as well. Riders approaching from the Gianera Street Trailhead or Great America Parkway are currently forced to turn back.

Bike lanes on Tasman Drive will close along with the roadway, followed by bike lane closures on Great America Parkway on Game Day.

Pedestrians will also feel the impact. Sidewalks along Tasman Drive between Convention Center Drive and Calle Del Sol will be closed.

Officials recommend using VTA light rail between the Great America and Lick Mill stations.

The Bay Area Host Committee says the plan was developed months in advance with the NFL, local officials, and transportation engineers to “minimize disruption” through signage, maps, and designated ride-hail zones.

Caltrain and VTA are urging residents and visitors to use public transportation to avoid gridlock during Super Bowl week.

Road closure maps and detour details are available at the site.