Road closures are set to take effect as the Tour Down Under kicks off this Friday, January 17, officially marking the beginning of the cycling event expected to draw thousands of fans and competitors to South Australia. The event will run through January 26, featuring both women's and men's races across various routes throughout Adelaide and its environs.
RAA Senior Traffic Engineer Matt Vertudaches has urged motorists to stay informed about the schedule of road closures, emphasizing the importance of planning journeys accordingly. "The Tour Down Under will see stages held across South Australia over the next 10 days – from the city to the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Fleurieu," he said. He continued, "Different road closures will be in place each day so drivers are advised to have a look at the daily closures on the Tour Down Under website to avoid being caught out."
The first stage of the women’s race will occur between Brighton and Aldinga, featuring rolling road closures along the route as it goes through areas like Old Noarlunga, Myponga, Yankalilla, and Normanville. Throughout the event, notable road closures will affect significant routes, including Rundle Road and Dequetteville Terrace, mainly targeting the Adelaide east end during the opening weekend.
Particularly concerning were reports of troubling incidents leading up to the event. On January 10, three cyclists were injured after hitting wire strung across their path at Noarlunga Downs, prompting police to issue warnings to all cyclists. This wire was deliberately placed to sabotage riders, leading to minor injuries and significant damage to their bikes. A subsequent incident on January 13 involved another cyclist who narrowly escaped injury but suffered extensive damage to her bike after encountering the same trap. Police are currently investigating these incidents.
South Australia Police have emphasized the need for heightened awareness among cyclists and motorists during the Tour Down Under, which attracts more cyclists than usual. Commissioner Grant Stevens stated, “If ever there was a time to be very mindful of sharing the road, it's now.” He cautioned drivers about the challenges of visibility when it came to spotting cyclists. "Drivers are used to checking for larger vehicles but often overlook smaller, quicker ones like bicycles. It's especially important to be vigilant around intersections and when making left turns."
Stevens encouraged spectators to keep the road edges clear for cyclists and support vehicles, reiterative of the increased foot and vehicle traffic during the event. The police have arranged for patrols under 'Operation Safe Cycling,' emphasizing event safety management.
For visitors traveling to enjoy the races, the South Australian roads will experience rolling closures, which will be updated daily to reflect the changes. Attendees of the races are urged to arrive early and allow extra time due to potential traffic delays. "Plan ahead and leave time for possible delays," the police stated.
On top of the road closures, Adelaide Oval will also experience restrictions. Car parks there will be closed from 6 AM to 5 PM on January 26, along with all surrounding roads to facilitate the event. Adelaide Oval has provided alternative parking options and pedestrian access points to navigate during the event, urging visitation planning to minimize inconvenience.
The Tour Down Under promises thrilling races, but safety remains the top priority. With police maintaining high visibility throughout the event and multiple operations aimed at ensuring safe cycling, both cyclists and motorists must remain vigilant and patient. By working together to share the road responsibly, everyone can enjoy this engaging cycling celebration.
For those looking for more information on road closures and safety tips, detailed updates are available through the official Tour Down Under website and through local police announcements.