'Plan Ahead' For Island Games Road Closures

More posters and letters - warning of road closures - are going out this week to people living along the routes that will be used for races during the Island Games.

Nearly 6,000 leaflets and posters are being distributed to remind those living and working in the western parishes and on Guernsey's west coast that roads will be closed due to Island Games events, including the cycling and triathlon.

It follows similar publicity drives in February, May and early June to taking in properties in St Peter Port and the Footes Lane and Rohais areas.

During the week of the games, numerous roads will be closed for the safety of athletes, spectators, marshals and emergency services.

It will mean some islanders living on or near the affected routes will need to rethink their commutes.

Games Director Julia Bowditch says disruption is inevitable, so people should plan ahead:

"Please, if you live or work in the areas impacted, look at the leaflet or poster so that you’re familiar with the road closures and know the timings.

Even outside the routes there is likely to be congestion, so motorists should leave extra time for their journeys, or perhaps consider alternative travel options."

She has urged people to embrace the opportunity to watch the action close to home.

"This is a once-in-twenty-years chance for people to experience their own unique viewing point on the races.

We are welcoming islands around the world to our island, the excitement is really building, and we want residents to come out, cheer on the athletes, and soak up the fantastic atmosphere."

Gary Wallbridge, the Cycling Coordinator for Guernsey2023 told Island FM there has been a positive response from residents so far:

"This is a huge thing for Guernsey to provide men and women coming to the island a free and safe access to the roads.

We are trying to be as cooperative and flexible and possible but we are also trying to provide the most unique situation for our visiting cyclists."

A decision has been made to close Victoria Avenue for four evenings from 5pm until 9pm to coincide with the Guernsey men’s football matches and one of the semi-finals. (Access will be maintained for residents)

Similarly, Footes Lane will be closed on the last day of competition (14 July) from 1 pm because of the men’s football final and the closing ceremony.

Town's seafront will also be closed all day, on the last day, due to three races.

"During a road closure, there will be no vehicular access along the route. This means that residents and customers of businesses will not even be able to drive in or out of driveways and car parks.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times, and walkers are asked to take care. People can walk their pedal bikes along the routes."

Details of the dates and times of the road closures:

Opening Ceremony Saturday 8 July –

• St Peter Port seafront will be closed from 4- 9pm.
• Weighbridge Roundabout from around 6:30pm.

Triathlon Sunday 9 July –

• Route de Pleinmont, Rue des Laurens, Rue du Manoir, Route de Plaisance, Route du Longfrie, Route des Paysans, Route des Rocquaines and Route des Adams will be closed from 11:30am - 4pm.
• Rue du Portelet and Route de la Lague will be closed from 8am until 5:30pm.

Cycling Time Trial Monday 10 July –

• The time trial starts outside the old L’Eree hotel at 9.30am. The route goes out towards The Imperial Hotel before turning and heading along the West Coast as far as the Puffin and Oyster.
• The route then returns to L’Eree and finishes near the Longfrie filter. All roads on the route will be closed from 9am - 1pm.

Cycling Road Race Wednesday 12 July –

• The race will start at 9am along Route de Pleinmont, Rue des Laurens, Rue du Manoir, Route de Plaisance, Route du Longfrie, Route des Paysans, Route des Adams and Route des Rocquaines with an added circuit going up Route du Coudre.
• There will be limited access to La Houguette School till 8:45am and the school will work with parents regarding school drop-off.
• The first section of the course will reopen to residents at approximately 1:45pm with all roads fully open by approximately 2:45pm except the area around St Peter’s Church which will remain closed until 3:45pm.

St Peter Port seafront Friday 14 July – Road closures 5am - 8pm

• The half marathon, cycling criterium and triathlon relay will all take place in Town on Friday 14 July.
• The seafront will be closed from North Esplanade to La Vallette.

Parking in the following areas will be suspended from midnight 13 July until 8 pm Fri 14 July:

• La Vallette,
• Castle Emplacement,
• Les Echelons,
• South Esplanade,
• Albert Pier,
• Le Petit Carrefour,
• Church Square,
• Church Hill,
• Crown Pier,
• La Tourgand,
• Lower Pollet
• And Le Truchot (between Taxi Rank and Sir William Place).

Victoria Avenue will be closed from 5pm - 9pm on the following days:

• Sunday 9 July,
• Monday 10 July,
• Tuesday 11 July,
• And Thursday 13 July.

Footes Lane - Friday 14 July – Road closure 1pm- 12am.

Information including maps of the routes and timings are on the Games website at guernsey2023.gg