Waterside Half Marathon: Traffic and travel restrictions

The new route returns this year to its original home at St Columb’s Park, leaving Ebrington Square at 10am and finishing at the St Columb’s Park Running Track between 11.05am and 1.30pm.

Up to 1,900 runners are expected to participate and to ensure the safety of participants and other road users a number of temporary traffic restrictions will be in place for a short time. These have been identified in consultation with PSNI and Roads Service to minimise delay and inconvenience for both residents and motorists.

The route travels along the following roads and traffic may be affected: St Columb’s Road, Limavady Road, Waterfoot Park, The Gransha Grounds, the A2 Dual Carriageway (southbound), Foyle Bridge (eastbound), Lower Culmore Road, Bay Road, Queens Quay, Foyle Embankment, Foyle Road (southbound to junction at Bishop Street), Lower Deck Craigavon Bridge.

Extensive sections of the Council greenways will also be used in the Waterfoot Park and Gransha area, Bay Road Park, Fort George to Council offices, Peace Bridge to Craigavon Bridge and from King Street to St Columb’s Park Running Track.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, urged the public to make themselves aware of the restrictions on the day to ensure the event runs as smoothly as possible for everyone. “The Waterside Half Marathon is one of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s most popular events and we appreciate the co-operation of the public in delivering it each year.

“This year with the introduction of a new route, we would really encourage everyone to heed the guidance recommended by Council’s events staff to ensure that disruption is minimal and to ensure the health and safety of both spectators and participants. I want to thank everyone in advance for their co-operation, and I’m really looking forward to a fantastic event on Sunday.”

Spectators will be able to enjoy the race from several vantage points along the route, however people are specifically asked to avoid the Gransha Park area for the duration of the race.

A disability viewing area will be available overlooking the track at St Columb’s Park which can be accessed from St Columb’s Park Road via the Pedestrian Gate at the Allotments Car Park.

While some disruption to travel is unavoidable, in order to minimise this and to avoid delays people are asked to consider the following guidance:

If possible, avoid travelling along the affected route during the event.

If you must travel during the event, please follow the signed diversions and allow some extra time for your journey. Police and race marshals will be present to provide advice.

If you live along one of the roads on the route, please help by parking your vehicle off the road for the duration of the race.

If you live off one of the main roads affected, please be careful exiting and co-operate with the police and marshals.

If you need to use the greenway areas, if possible please avoid the peak period for runners (approximately from 10.10am – 12noon)

As the event is on a Sunday morning it may be prudent to allow a little extra time to reach Church services on time.

Participants in the race are also reminded that they must take responsibility for any personal belongings on site. While a small number of lockers will be available on the day it is advised that all belongings are left at home.

Parking

Event parking for traffic travelling from the Caw Roundabout direction will be available at the Foyle Arena and Oakgrove Integrated Primary School. Additional event parking will be available at Old Bridge Health Centre on Gelndermottt Road and within the Ebrington Site, accessed from the Kind Street roundabout.

Queen’s Quay and Foyle Road car parks will be closed on Sunday until after the race ends at approximately 2pm. However other Council Carparks will be open and parking will also be available at Quayside from 8am, and Foyleside from 11.30am.

Blue Badge holders are advised to use available public, disabled car parking spaces. Limited disabled parking will also be available within the Ebrington site.

Drivers are reminded that normal on street parking restrictions will be in place throughout the day and they should avoid parking anywhere where they may be blocking entrances to residences or businesses or where they may be obstructing emergency access. Council will encourage the police to adopt a strict enforcement policy in relation to illegally parked vehicles, so it is advisable to only use the official car parks.

In order to reduce congestion and ensure safety, drivers wishing to drop off people are advised to find a suitable and safe location to stop, and to avoid doing so on the Limavady Road.

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions for Waterside Half Marathon

Sunday 6th September 2015 – Please note times may be subject to change so please check online in advance of your journey

St Columb’s Road: Full closure from 08.00-10.30

St Columb’s Road: One Way Closure from 10:30 to 14:00 for traffic travelling in from Limavady Road. Access will be maintained for local residents and St Columb’s Park House Allotment Holders.

Limavady Road: Single Lane closure for country bound vehicles from Dale’s Corner to Caw Roundabout along with King Street slip road for Limavady Road closed from 08:00-12:00. Diversion will be sign posted via Glendermott Road, Dungiven Road, Glenshane Road, Altnagelvin Roundabout, Crescent Link, Clooney Road and vice versa.

Clooney Road Dual Carriageway: Lane one closure from Northern junction with Caw Roundabout to junction with Gransha Park from 08:00-13:00. There will also be a temporary speed restriction here from 50mph to 40mph.

Madams Bank Road (Foyle Bridge): Lane one closure from Culmore Roundabout to Caw roundabout (Eastbound traffic) from 08:00 to 13:00. There will be a temporary speed restriction here from 50mph to 40mph.

Queen’s Quay: Single Lane Closure from Queen Street Roundabout to Harbour Roundabout in southerly direction from 08:00 to 15:00. Two way traffic will be accommodated through closure.

Foyle Embankment: Lane one closure from Harbour Roundabout to Foyleside Roundabout in southerly direction from 08:00 to 15:00.

Foyle Road: from Foyleside Roundabout to Bishop Street Without for Country bound traffic only from 08:00 – 15:00. Traffic will be diverted via John Street, Abercorn Road and Bishop Street Without.

Craigavon Bridge Lower Deck: Will be closed to city bound traffic from 08:00 to 12:45. From 12:45 until 15:00 traffic will only be allowed to make a right turn towards city when crossing bridge. Traffic will be diverted towards upper deck of Craigavon Bridge.

Please note that the Peace Bridge will be closed to pedestrian access on the day from 10am until approximately 1pm.

Please check www.whm15.com for further updates.