Officials announced a parking plan today that changes the way traffic will enter and exit during next month's Masters Tournament.

Stanley Drive will now act as the "mouth of the funnel" for motorists with the opening of a new 2,500 space parking area behind Berckmans Road, Richmond County Traffic Engineer Steve Cassell said at an afternoon press conference.

Pedestrians will use Heath Drive to reach gate 6A on Berckmans Road, which will act as one of the main entrances to the course for the annual golf competition.

"That is what we anticipate to be the primary pedestrian crossing," Mr. Cassell said.

While Berckmans Road will remain open to vehicle traffic during this time, Mr. Cassell said they want to discourage drivers from using the roadway.

The original parking area will still be in use, but will only be accessible for those drivers coming from the direction of the John C. Calhoun Expressway.

The Washington Road on-ramp to Interstate 20, which has been closed for several months due to construction, will be reopened from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. that week. This year's tournament will be April 10-13.