Police are warning motorists and residents to plan their trip and delay their travel due to major road closures and special event clearways in and around the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Eastern Suburbs ahead of this weekend’s Sydney Running Festival, NSW Police say.
With five races, including a half and full marathon, a family fun run and bridge run, a crowd of more than 33,000 are expected to participate this Sunday (16 September 2018).
Highlighting some of Sydney’s most iconic locations, the event will start in Bradfield Park at Milson’s Point, before heading over the bridge toward some of Sydney’s iconic locations, with the Family Fun Run finishing at the Sydney Conservatory and all other events finishing at Sydney Opera House.
The first event, the Half Marathon, commences at 6am; the second, the Sydney Marathon 7.05am; the third, the Bridge Run, at 8am; and the fourth event, the Family Fun Run, at 9am.
A high visibility policing strategy - Operation Bradfield, will run on the day comprising of General Duties officers from across the Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit and Bicycle Unit.
Operation Bradfield Commander Superintendent Jenny Scholz, said working with event organisers and other agencies to produce a world class event which is safe and secure for all participants, spectators and volunteers is paramount.
"While those participating get to experience one of the most scenic courses in the world, we have been working hard to make sure the event and race route is safe for everyone," Supt Scholz said.
"We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact this world class event will have on motorists and local residents, but there will be major road closures and event clearways in the CBD and surrounding suburbs in the lead up and during the event."
Major road closures include the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all approaches as well as the Cahill Expressway; Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, College Street, Hickson Road, Phillip Street, Flinders Street, Pyrmont Street, Oxford Street and Moore Park Road.
"Road closures on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across North Sydney, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont will start from 4am, while road closures in Moore Park begin from 5.30am," Supt Scholz said.
"The Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac bridge will remain open; but drivers are urged to avoid the area, or allow extra travel time as delays are expected.
Special event clearways will also be operation between 1am and 1.30pm. Motorists should check signs before parking around Sydney CBD, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Darlinghurst and Moore Park.
Vehicles left in these special event clearways will be towed and fines will apply. This includes vehicles with local parking permits or RMS Mobility Scheme permits.
For detailed road closures and epical event clearway information and real-time updates on event day visit: www.livetraffic.com.
"We urge motorists and residents to plan their trip in advance and if you must travel into the Sydney CBD, expect significant delays," Supt Scholz said.
"Participants and volunteers should also take advantage of free public transport this weekend, just present your competition bib or volunteer card when boarding your chosen service.
"The closest train station to the start line is Milsons Point, where additional services will be running from 5am, while Circular Quay and Wynyard are your best bet from all finishing points," Supt Scholz said.
"Bus services will be affected by road closures, particularly in the Sydney CBD, North Sydney and Moore Park, but they’ll continue operating to alternate routes and additional services will be running in the morning to get competitors to the start line on time."
For details about route changes or to plan your trip go to www.transportnsw.info or call 131 500.
Additional information about the Sydney Running Festival, including road closure and clearway maps, can be found at the event website: http://www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au
