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Avoid The Roads If You’Re Not At The Grand Prix

This year’s Grand Prix promises to be one of the biggest in recent memory with large numbers of bikes, cars and visitors in Bass Coast from 3 - 5 October.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 29th September 2008 - Back to News

Council’s Special Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said this year’s focus was to clear the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as quickly as possible.

Those not attending the 2008 Motorcycle Grand Prix can expect delays when travelling on the roads over the event weekend.

"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," Mr Angarane said.

"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 4pm."

All Melbourne bound Grand Prix patrons will be directed to Phillip Island Road via Back Beach Road.

"Back Beach Road will be given priority at the Phillip Island Road intersection," Mr Angarane said.

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

Temporary traffic lights will operate at the intersection, with Police also on hand to direct traffic.

"With Back Beach Road being given priority, anyone travelling along Phillip Island Road, whether you are coming from Cowes or San Remo, should expect long delays during these times," warned Mr Angarane.

"If you do have to be on the road, allow extra time for the trip and have plenty of water and some snacks in the car when you travel."

The changeover to Daylight Savings will occur early on the Sunday morning of the event and Mr Angarane said it was important to keep this in mind when planning your trips around or to and from the Island.

The major race on Sunday is starting an hour later this year, which will also impact on traffic conditions.

"The Grand Prix will be finishing later in the day, around 4.45pm, and it could be going on dark before all traffic has left the Circuit," Mr Angarane said.

"Measures will be in place to clear traffic from the event quickly so that the road network can return to normal as soon as possible."

Motorists who do not need to travel between 5 - 8pm on Sunday 5 October are advised to avoid the roads around the MotoGP site.

If possible, visitors to Phillip Island are advised to leave before 5pm or wait and depart after 8pm to minimise delays.

Motorists are encouraged to be patient and follow advice to help get to the destination as quickly and safely as possible.

Council will soon be installing electronic signboards along these routes to reinforce the message of changed traffic conditions.

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

Mr Angarane said roadworks along the Bass Highway, although not complete, would be in a manageable condition to allow the blue line to operate up to Grantville.

"The Bass Highway will still be a roadworks zone and we ask motorists to adhere to the restrictions and drive safely," Mr Angarane said.

Meanwhile, up to 1,000 riders will take part in the annual Barry Sheene ride from Bairnsdale on Thursday 2 October.

The ride departs from Bairnsdale at 10am and is expected to 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.

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

Council will officially welcome Barry Sheene riders at San Remo this year, before they continue onto the GP Circuit.

There have also been changes to entertainment activities during the Grand Prix weekend.

The feature race will be replayed on the Superscreen in Thompson Ave, Cowes, on Sunday night, together with other entertainment activities that will finish between 10-10.30pm.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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