Police are reminding motorists and residents of changed traffic conditions in Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs ahead of this weekend’s City2Surf, NSW Police say.
More than 80,000 people have registered to take part in one of the world’s largest runs that winds its way from the city to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach on Sunday (14 August 2016).
Operation Tarourga, a high-visibility policing strategy, will be in place to ensure the safety and security of participants, event staff and spectators, while working to minimising the impact of the event on local residents and the wider community.
The police operation will encompass the start and finish-line areas as well as the race route, and involves officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Dog Unit, Mounted Unit, and Police Transport Command.
Operation Tarourga Commander, Detective Superintendent Jason Box, said police and other Government agencies have been working closely with event organisers to ensure a safe and successful event for everyone involved.
"City2Surf is a much-celebrated Sydney event and we intend to maintain that atmosphere – our priority is making sure the route and surrounding areas are safe for the tens of thousands of runners taking the 14km challenge this year," Det Supt Box said.
"While there will be significant road closures in Sydney’s CBD and throughout the Eastern Suburbs, we are working hard to minimise the impact on local residents and the broader community.
"Road closures will come into effect in Sydney’s CBD at the start-lines from 3.30am on College and Park Streets and Prince Albert and St James Roads, and from 4.30am on Macquarie Street," Det Supt Box said.
"Additional roads along the remainder of the race route through the Bondi Beach will then begin closing from 6am."
The route follows William Street to New South Head Road; right onto Old South Head Road; left into Military Road and onto Campbell Parade; and left into Queen Elizabeth Drive, before finishing at Bondi Beach.
Roads should start reopening in the CBD, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Edgecliff about midday, while all other roads in the Eastern Suburbs will remain closed until 4pm.
City2Surf participants and spectators are also reminded Bondi Beach and Bondi Park are alcohol-prohibited areas, which will be enforced by police.
"In addition, we will have officers in and around the Bondi finish-line throughout the day to reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime," Det Supt Box said.
"We are focused on safety, we’re not there to spoil anyone’s fun, but we won’t tolerate behaviour that puts yourself or other members of the community at risk."
Motorists are also reminded to carefully check signage before parking their car – particularly late on Saturday evening.
"Special event clearways will be in place in the CBD between 1am and midday and between 1am and 4pm in the Eastern Suburbs on Sunday," Det Supt Box said.
"Be sure to pay close attention to signage as vehicles left in special event clearways – even those with local parking permits – will be towed away and fees apply."
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, clearways and cycleway closures, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
"Public transport is certainly your best bet when travelling to and from the City2Surf this weekend – travel on the network is free for competitors and saves you the stress of finding a park," Det Supt Box said.
"While road closures are in place, there will be changes to a number of bus services between the CBD and Eastern Suburbs, so allow a little extra time and check to make sure your stop is still on the route.
"Sydney Buses are running additional services from Bondi Beach to Bondi Junction at the end of the race to help get everyone home," Det Supt Box said.
"Police Transport Command officers will also be patrolling the Bondi Junction public transport interchange to keep the area safe for commuters and members of the general public."
Visit www.transportnsw.info to plan your trip on trains, buses, ferries and light rail. There are also a number of real-time apps to track your service.
Det Supt Box also reminded runners to avoid the crowds at the CityFit Expo, by attending today tomorrow, otherwise expect lengthy delays tomorrow (13 August 2016).
"Our best advice is to arrive at the Expo early to pick-up your bib and drop off your finish-line gear to avoid any undue hassle on race day," Det Supt Box said.
"The gear drop-off service will be limited on Sunday, but it can easily be checked-in with event staff at the Expo today or tomorrow, which will then be delivered to the finish-line."
Additional City2Surf information can be found on the official event website: www.city2surf.com.au.
