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Big Crowds Expected For Superbikes

A big crowd is expected for the 2009 Yamaha Phillip Island Superbike World Championship, held 27 February - 1 March.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 25th February 2009 - Back to News

Early interest is high with a significant increase in pre-sale and camping tickets. If the recent run of good weather continues, event organisers, Police and Bass Coast Shire Council expect an increase on the 65,000 that attended last year’s three day event.

Council’s Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said that once again, a significant plan to manage the traffic is in place, particularly for the Sunday.

"We still encourage people to try and stay off the roads around the circuit and the main roads to Phillip Island late Saturday and Sunday afternoons, when traffic is expected to be busiest," advised Mr Angarane.

"The Sunday traffic from Cowes to the circuit will be directed via Berrys Beach Road, with Gap Road being used for emergency services and shuttle bus access.

"At the end of the main race on Sunday afternoon, Back Beach Road will operate one way out from the track to Phillip Island Road.

We expect this to be around 4pm. The blue line will operate to the Anderson roundabout," said Mr Angarane.

Roadworks on the Bass Highway are expected to make it a slow trip between Grantville and Anderson.

"We are expecting heavy traffic from 8am to 11am and after 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday," said Mr Angarane.

"Generally we have a large amount of motorbikes, which helps the traffic clear, but due to the road works it may still be slow and busy, so drivers and riders need to take care."

Mr Angarane said traffic arrangements to the circuit will be normal on Friday and Saturday.

"Shuttle bus services will be in place for all three days of the event. People don’t need to book, but for more information you can call Phillip Island Bus Lines on 5952 2500."

Night time activities will run again this year in Cowes with free entertainment to be provided at the bottom end of Thompson Avenue.

This part of Thompson Avenue will be shut down from mid afternoon on Saturday so the stage and band area can be set up.

"The band set up will face up Thompson Avenue and existing licensed premises will extend onto the street," said Mr Angarane.

"This arrangement was successfully trialled in 2008 and provides improved opportunity for existing traders.

"This area will stay closed until after the entertainment activities finish around midnight."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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