DARLINGTON, SC (WBTW) – As thousands of people make their way to the Darlington Raceway this this weekend the South Carolina Highway Patrol will be out making sure drivers and pedestrians are safe.

The highway patrol will bring in extra troopers to help with congestion this weekend.

Troopers say drivers should remember that people are coming to the area way from all over.

The highway patrol says it will increase its presence in areas where there’s a lot of foot traffic like on Harry Byrd Highway.

Troopers say they recommend finding places to park well ahead of the race due to expected crowds.

But they will be in the area to ensure things don’t get chaotic.

“We’ll be assisting both vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic as they try to cross the road. As your traveling tomorrow you’re going to start to encounter state troopers at traffic control points. We simply ask that you do what they ask you to do. We’re going to get you into the race track in plenty of time, just follow their directions and be patient,” said South Carolina Highway Patrol Public Information Officer Corporal Sonny Collins.

Collins says as soon as you get off I-95 in Florence County and drive through Highway 52, drivers will start seeing troopers.