Police are reminding motorists and residents of major road closures and new 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 (13 August 2017).
Operation Harlow, 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 Harlow 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 throughout the Eastern Suburbs and new special event clearways along the entire race route, 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 in the Eastern Suburbs at 7am," 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 left in special event clearways – even those with local parking permits – will be towed away and fees apply," Supt Hodder said.
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.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, clearways and cycleway closures, visit www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.
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 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."
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 tomorrow and tomorrow (11 August 2017), otherwise expect lengthy delays on Saturday (12 August 2017).
"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.
