Oympic Transport Plans Get Go-Ahead
Designated pedestrian routes, park and ride sites and cycle parking are among the transport measures designed for Weymouth and Portland when it hosts the Olympic sailing events this summer.
Plans include five designated walking routes from the train station and from bus drop off points at the Swannery transport hub. These walking routes are designed to allow visitors and residents to move easily to their destinations, aided by a team of 150 ambassadors who will be on hand to direct visitors, signposting them to the live site on Weymouth Beach as well as other local attractions and facilities.
Dorset roads will be open and kept moving throughout the Games through a number of measures including traffic monitoring through the Dorset Traffic Control Centre and five dedicated park and ride sites which will make the journey into Weymouth much easier for visitors.
A designated Olympic Route Network will keep traffic flowing, with some of the roads that make up the A354 in Weymouth becoming a clearway during the Games. Sections of the route will be a no stopping, waiting or parking zone. However, dedicated Games Lanes which are being used in London to transport athletes and officials, will not be used in Dorset.
Plans for Weymouth town centre will include a closure on the Esplanade, Westham Road and part of King Street between 10am-10pm and restricted access to the harbour area. This is to make sure the town centre is safe and secure, and check point areas will be in operation to manage access to these areas. Part of Radipole Park Drive from the tennis courts will be closed to cars 24/7.
Short stay car parking will be available to residents in the town centre during Games time however spaces will be limited. The town, Esplanade and sea front will be fully accessible on foot.
Residents and visitors will benefit from around 400 temporary cycle parking spaces during the Games. Secure cycle parking is planned, including on Westham Bridge, The Nothe and Brunswick Terrace. After the Games the cycle racks will be distributed around the county at schools, leisure centres and business parks, providing permanent cycle parking and a great legacy for the area. Local cycle hire will be available during the Games both in-town, and from park and ride sites.
Dorset Olympic Board Chair Angus Campbell said:
"Hosting the Olympic sailing events is a unique opportunity for Weymouth and Portland, and Dorset is gearing up to welcome the world's largest sporting spectacle.
"We are working closely with all agencies to make sure visitors have the best experience they can. Ensuring visitors, residents and businesses are able to move around the county is a priority for us and we have invested heavily in the transport network."
2012 roads and traffic manager Matthew Piles said:
"All transport measures are designed to promote safe, secure and efficient travel. As well as minimising the impacts of Games time traffic on local residents and businesses.
"With the number of daily visitors expected to rise by around 30,000 during Games time, it is inevitable that routes in and around Weymouth town centre will be affected.
"Residents and visitors staying in the area will be encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle."
Residents can find out more about the transport plans during Games time at a dedicated briefing on Thursday 19 January 6-8pm in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion.