Know what to expect: IRONMAN Weymouth returns on Sunday
A number of road closures will be in place across South Dorset
Around 70,000 Dorset residents have received letters informing of upcoming travel disruption, as a major triathlon event returns to Weymouth this Sunday (18 September).
Earlier this week, IRONMAN organisers confirmed the event is going ahead, following consultation with local stakeholders and authorities.
It will see athletes compete in a one-loop 1.2 mile swim course from Weymouth Beach, followed by a 56 mile bike course through the rolling Dorset Countryside up North to King's Stag and back to Weymouth via the towns of Godmanstone and Dorchester; finishing with a 13.1 mile run course from Lodmoor Country Park to the finish area, along Weymouth's esplanade.
Travel, parking and access restrictions
Major routes across South Dorset will be blocked off during the event, this Sunday.
Temporary road closures will be in place to ensure the safety of athletes and the public, with access blocked to vehicles, bikes and horses; but not pedestrians.
Those living, working or visiting Weymouth this Sunday have been advised to plan travel in advance. Road closures and restricted access times in North, South East and South West roads can be accessed online.
Temporary one way systems will be enforced, with Dorset Highways marshals positioned at crucial points along the route.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said that diversions will not be suggested or signed, and that "drivers should make judgement based on the roads being closed and plan journeys around them", adding that "it is not mandatory requirement to provide diversions".
For those wishing to attend the event by car, short stay car parks in the town centre will be open as normal. However, Pavilion car park and Lodmoor Country Park car park will be closed during the event. Minimal disruption is expected to car parks in Dorchester, according to Dorset Council.
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.
Access to both Weymouth and Dorchester’s tips will be directly affected by road closures this Sunday.
Local residents are being urged to take their waste to Portland’s HRC, or wait until the Weymouth site reopens on Tuesday 20 September, after the Queen's State Funeral.
Dorchester HRC at Louds Mill will be open, but access is likely to be disrupted until early afternoon on Sunday.
Travel advice for residents and visitors
With road closures set to affect residents, businesses and visitors, people are being advised to plan ahead.
Those living or visiting somewhere directly off a closed off route, have been encouraged to delay their journey until the road opens and allow extra travel time.
Drivers are been advised to leave their vehicles parked off the route, so they're not blocked.
On the event day, Dorset Council will be updating their website with Live travel updates, or via Twitter @TravelDorset or #IRONMANtraveldorset.