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Grand Prix Safety And Traffic Tips

The 2007 Motorcycle Grand Prix is promising to be the biggest in recent memory. And that means there will be large numbers of bikes, cars and visitors in Bass Coast from 12-14 October.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 2nd October 2007 - Back to News

Council’s Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said the Council is focusing on making sure the event runs as smoothly and safely as possible.

"We are expecting big crowds over the weekend, both at the track and in Cowes," said Mr Angarane.

"Even if you are not planning on going to the Grand Prix, it will have an impact on most people in the Shire, particularly if you live on Phillip Island."

Traffic management

As usual, Council is advising anyone not attending the Grand Prix to avoid the area around the intersection of Phillip Island Road and Back Beach Road on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, from around 3pm.

"There is a traffic management strategy in place," said Mr Angarane.

"All the car parks will be cleared using Back Beach Road with the exception of Paton’s car park, which mainly services Cowes.

"While this should help clear the Circuit, it will impact on anyone travelling to and from Cowes along Phillip Island Road, at the Back Beach Road intersection."

The blue line

The blue line will be in operation on Sunday afternoon, and possibly Saturday afternoon, to keep traffic flowing smoothly as patrons leave the Grand Prix Circuit.

"Phillip Island Road and Bass Highway have been specially designed, so that when the blue line is in use the raod shoulders form an additional lane," explained Mr Angarane.

"This provides two lanes Melbourne bound, allowing twice as many vehicles to use the road.

"Signs along the route clearly indicate when the blue line is in operation and at which point it no longer applies," said Mr Angarane.

"When it is in operation, please drive carefully and keep within the advised maximum speed limit of 80 km/hr."

A decision will be made during the event to see if the blue line is needed on the Saturday afternoon as well.

Blue line and Bass River Bridge

Motorists will also need to take care around the Bass River bridge when the blue line is in operation. There will be temporary line marking on the bridge over the weekend.

"The bridge is not wide enough to accommodate two Melbourne bound lanes without altering the position of the existing centre line," advised Mr Angarane.

"There will be a reduced speed limit and temporary plastic bollards on the bridge during this period to direct traffic over the bridge while the temporary line marking is in place."

Please report any bollards that have been displaced by the traffic to Council on 1300 BCOAST (1300 226 278). For more information and advice about when the blue line is in operation, please phone VicRoads on 5172 2666.

Barry Sheene Ride

1,000 riders will take part in the annual Barry Sheene ride from Bairnsdale on Thursday 11 October.

The ride departs from Bairnsdale at 10am and is expected arrive in Inverloch around 2.30pm.

"The Barry Sheene ride is a great spectacle and there is always a crowd that come out and support the riders," said Mr Angarane.

"But we want to make sure that everyone stays safe during the event."

Mr Angarane said there were important safety measures that everyone needed to be aware of:

· Spectators need to stay well clear of the roadway;

· Spectators should not try to make physical contact with riders, for example high fives or slapping hands with passing bikes;

· Young children must be supervised near roads;

· No flags or banners to be projected too close to the roadway; and

· Spectators should not encourage riders to ride in an unsafe manner.

"Both the Barry Sheene ride, and the Cranbourne GP ride on Saturday morning are fantastic spectacles which have a very high level of community involvement," said Mr Angarane.

"However, it would be terrible if a spectator or rider got hurt."

Approximate times for the Barry Sheene Ride passing through Bass Coast:

Inverloch 2.30pm - 3.00pm

Wonthaggi 2.45pm - 3.15pm

San Remo 3.30pm - 4.00pm

Cowes 4.30pm - 4.45pm

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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