TRAVEL advice has been issued for visitors and residents ahead of the return of the Ironman 70.3 triathlon in Weymouth and surrounding area.
A number of road closures will be in place for the event tomorrow and residents and visitors are urged to plan ahead.
The car park at Lodmoor County Park has already been closed to allow event organisers to set up.
The triathlon consists of a swim in Weymouth Bay, a gruelling cycle ride up into north Dorset then a run around Weymouth.
Main roads including the B3155 (Greenhill/Preston Beach Road) will be closed for most of the day with restrictions in place from 4am.
Other roads in the town centre will be shut on Sunday and routes in and around Dorchester will be closed for part of the day to allow the cyclists to pass safely.
The restrictions will see drivers, cyclists and horse riders prohibited from the roads with pedestrians allowed to cross “when safe to do so”.
A temporary taxi rank will be imposed outside ‘The Gloucester’ along The Esplanade.
Dorset Council said they would not be signposting diversions or alternative routes.
A spokesperson for the council said: “There are so many different scenarios, that it would be extremely difficult to recommend alternative routes and so diversions are not being suggested or signed.
“On this basis, drivers should make judgement based on the roads being closed and plan journeys around them.
“It is not a mandatory requirement to provide diversions.”
To protect vulnerable residents, car passes have been made available on request, for social carers and care workers to access service users’ homes, and care homes, during the event.
They can be requested from race organisers on 03330 11 66 00.
Weymouth’s Household Recycling Centre will be closed all day on the day with access to Dorchester’s tip likely to be severely reduced.
Main road closures are as follows –
Weymouth:
- B3155 Greenhill, from Melcombe Avenue to Lodmoor Car Park from 4am-6pm.
- B3155 Preston Beach Road, from Lodmoor Car Park to Bowleaze Coveway from 4am-6pm.
- South Parade from the Esplanade to Custom House Quay from 6am-7pm.
- Custom House Quay, from St Mary Street to The Esplanade from 6am-7pm.
- East Street, from The Esplanade to Custom House Quay from 6am-7pm.
- Northbound travel from Weymouth Town Bridge at the junction with Trinity Road from 6am-7pm.
Dorchester:
- B3143 Alington Road, from St. Georges Road to B3144 Alington Road (mini roundabout) from 8.30am-1.30pm.
- A352 Max Gate Roundabout to A352 West Stafford Bypass roundabout from 8.30am-1.30pm.
- Other road closures will be in place for the cycle route and there may be restrictive vehicular access and one-way schemes put in place.
