Slow and steady wins the race for Bathurst 1000 fans
Motorsport fans have been reminded that slow and steady wins the race as thousands make their way to and from this year’s Bathurst 1000 at the famous Mount Panorama circuit.
Road users should expect increased traffic on all major roads in and out of Bathurst as fans descend on the Mountain for Australia’s premium motorsport event between Thursday 5 October and Sunday 8 October.
Transport for NSW Acting Regional Director West Damien Pfeiffer said fans would enjoy high-speed action on the Mount Panorama circuit over the four days of the Bathurst 1000 but it would be a very different story off the track.
“The Bathurst 1000 is an iconic Australian sporting event that always draws a massive crowd so we’re reminding all fans heading to Bathurst to plan their trip, allow extra travel time and always drive to the road conditions and speed limit,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“We know there is going to be a lot of extra traffic on the roads leading into the race and immediately after it so we’re urging everyone to take it easy, show some patience and ensure everyone gets there and back safely.”
The Great Western Highway, Mitchell Highway and Mid Western Highway around Bathurst will see the greatest increase in traffic this week while the M4 Motorway, Bells Line of Road and Castlereagh Highway will also experience heavier-than-usual traffic before and after the event.
“Perhaps the heaviest traffic will be seen leaving the event on Monday 9 October with significant eastbound delays expected from Bathurst and through the Blue Mountains, and also on the Mid Western Highway and Mitchell Highway heading west out of Bathurst,” Mr Pfeiffer said.
“There will be changed traffic conditions in place, including reduced speed zones on the Great Western Highway at Mount Victoria and Mid Western Highway approaching Cowra, where heavy traffic and queuing is expected.
“We will have traffic management in place from Blackheath to Little Hartley in the event of traffic queues through the Blue Mountains for eastbound traffic leaving Bathurst.
“Motorists are advised to expect delays of more than one hour but we thank them for their patience to ensure everyone makes it home safe and sound.”
Motorists are also advised of changed traffic conditions on the Great Western Highway and Bentinck Street, Bathurst on Wednesday 4 October during Supercars’ Transporters and Drivers Parade, held each year to welcome the motorsport teams to Bathurst.
Traffic control will be in place for the safety of workers and motorists.
We ask motorists to please drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.
For more information on getting to the event, including parking and public transport options, visit www.transportnsw.info.
For the latest traffic updates, download the Live Traffic NSW app and visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.