Police are reminding motorists and residents of major road closures and special event clearways 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 (12 August 2018).
Operation Seagrass, 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 Seagrass Commander, Superintendent Brad Hodder, 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," Supt Hodder said.
"While there will be significant road closures in Sydney’s CBD and Eastern Suburbs, and similar special event clearways to last year along the race route, we are working hard to minimise the impact on local residents and the broader community.
"The clearways are in place to ensure the safety and smooth progress of the event. The community and local residents should be commended for their assistance and understanding last year, and we are aiming for this year to run just as well.
"Road closures will come into effect in Sydney’s CBD at the start-lines from 3.30am on College and Park Streets and in the Eastern Suburbs at 6am," Supt Hodder said.
"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."
"Be sure to pay close attention to signage as vehicles and vessels left in special event clearways – even those with local parking permits – will be towed away and fees apply," Supt Hodder said.
Roads start reopening in the CBD, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Edgecliff about midday, while roads in the Eastern Suburbs start reopening from 1pm, with all roads reopen by 4pm.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, clearways and cycleway closures, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
Police are reminding families either attending City2Surf or participating with children to stay close and have a plan in place if you get separated.
"With big crowds and families participating, children can become separated. If a child becomes lost, or you see a child looking distressed, notify a police officer or event organiser immediately," Supt Hodder said.
City2Surf participants and spectators are also reminded Bondi Beach and Bondi Park are alcohol-prohibited areas, which will be enforced by police.
"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," Supt Hodder said.
"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."
Additional public transport services will be operating before and after the race.
"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," Supt Hodder 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.
Supt Hodder also reminded runners to avoid the crowds at the CityFit Expo, by attending today (Friday 10 August 2018), otherwise expect lengthy delays tomorrow (Saturday 11 August 2018).
"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," Supt Hodder said.
Additional City2Surf information can be found on the official event website: www.city2surf.com.au.
