Drivers reminded to be patient ahead off 2019 Sydney Running Festival, NSW

Police are reminding motorists of significant road closures and special event clearways, in and around the Sydney CBD and Eastern Suburbs, for the 2019 Sydney Running Festival.

More than 35,000 people are expected to compete in the event tomorrow (Sunday 15 September 2019), which includes five races; a half and full marathon, a wheelchair marathon, a 10km bridge run and a family fun 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; followed by the Wheelchair Marathon at 7am; the Sydney Marathon, at 7.05am; the Bridge Run at 8am; and 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.

Major road closures include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Cahill Expressway, Bridge Street, College Street, Liverpool 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 Milsons Point, Sydney CBD, Darlinghurst and Pyrmont will start closing from 4am, while closures in Moore Park will be in place from 5.30am.

Roads will be progressively reopened once the course is cleared, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Cahill Expressway expected to re-open around 11am and all other roads expected to re-open by 1.30pm.

Motorists are reminded that while the Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Anzac Bridge remain open during the event, long delays are expected. Drivers are urged to delay non-essential travel until after midday to avoid delays.

In the interest of road safety, both pedestrians and motorists need to be aware of their responsibilities and make sure they obey all directions from police and traffic controllers.

Pedestrians and drivers need to share the roadways, but it is important for pedestrians to use the footpath and only cross where there are traffic control points.

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 special event clearways, even those with local parking permits, will be towed and fines will apply.

For all special event traffic information and live traffic reports, refer to the live traffic website for details: www.livetraffic.com.

Public transport is there for everyone to use, so members of the public should expect crowds at major interchanges and exercise patience.

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.

For details about route changes or to plan your trip, go to www.transportnsw.info.

A high-visibility police operation, including General Duties officers from Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Mounted Unit, Police Transport Command, Dog Unit and Bicycle Unit, will be in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone involved in the event.

Additional information about the Sydney Running Festival, including road closure and clearway maps, can be found at the event website: https://www.sydneyrunningfestival.com.au.

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