Police are reminding drivers of significant road closures and special event clearways, in and around the Sydney CBD, for the 2017 Sydney Running Festival this weekend, NSW Police say.
More than 33,000 people are expected to compete in the event on Sunday (17 September 2017), which includes four races; a half and full marathon, a family fun run and a 10km bridge run.
Each event kicks off in Bradfield Park at Milsons Point, before heading over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The first event, the Half Marathon, commences at 6am; the second, the Sydney Marathon, at 7.05am; the third, the Bridge Run, at 8am; and the fourth event, the Family Fun Run, at 9am. While the family fun run finishes at the Sydney Conservatory, all other events conclude at the Sydney Opera House.
Police will establish Operation Nagle, a high-visibility policing strategy, which will include General Duties officers from across Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit and Bicycle Unit.
Operation Nagle Commander, Superintendent Allan Sicard, said police have been working closely with event organisers and other key stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of race participants, volunteers, and the wider community throughout the event.
"The Sydney Running Festival is one of the most scenic courses in the world and we’ve been working hard to make sure the route and its surrounds are safe for participants and spectators," Supt Sicard said.
"Road users and local residents are reminded there will be a number of major road closures in the CBD and surrounding suburbs in order to facilitate this world-class event. However, we will also work to minimise the impact of the event on the wider community."
Major road closures include the Sydney Harbour Bridge including approaches at the Cahill Express Way; Bridge Street, College Street, Hickson Road, Macquarie Street, Oxford Street, Sussex Street, Phillip Street, Flinders Street, Pyrmont Street, and Moore Park Road.
"The Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as roads in North Sydney, Sydney CBD, Surry Hills and Pyrmont will start closing from 4am, while closures in South Sydney will begin around 6am," Supt Sicard said.
"Road users are reminded the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge will remain open during the event; however, you should allow extra travel time and expect delays.
Motorists should also check signs before parking as special event clearways will be in place between 1am and 1.30pm in the 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.
For all special event traffic information and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website for details: 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 Sicard 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 4am until 9am, while Circular Quay is your best bet from all finishing points," Supt Sicard 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.
