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.
More than 75,000 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 (11 August 2019).
Operation City2Surf 2019, 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 Commander, Superintendent John Duncan, 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 Duncan said.
“We are working hard to minimise the impact on local residents and the broader community, however there will be significant road closures in Sydney’s CBD and throughout the Eastern Suburbs, as well as special event clearways along the entire race route.
“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 from 6am,” Supt Duncan said.
“Special event clearways will be in place again this year, between 1am and midday in the CBD 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 Duncan said.
Roads should start reopening in the CBD, Kings Cross, Darlinghurst and Edgecliff from 11.30am, followed by roads through the Eastern Suburbs from 1pm. Roads at Bondi Beach will remain closed until 4pm.
For all special event traffic information, including road closures, clearways and cycleway closures, visit www.livetraffic.com.
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 Duncan 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 covered for participants and volunteers and saves you the stress of finding a park,” Supt Duncan 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 metro, trains, buses, ferries and light rail. There are also a number of real-time apps to track your service.
Superintendent Duncan also reminded runners to avoid the crowds at the CityFit Expo, by attending today (Thursday 8 August 2019) and tomorrow (Friday 9 August 2019), otherwise expect lengthy delays on Saturday (11 August 2019).
“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 Duncan said.
Additional City2Surf information can be found on the official event website: www.city2surf.com.au.
