With the upcoming triathlon (27th – 28th July) and cycling festival (3rd – 4th August) taking over London on consecutive weekends this summer we’ve gathered some information to make sure you get the best out of the events and to ensure that they don’t disrupt your journey in central London.
Virgin Active London Triathlon, weekend of 27th – 28th July 2013
With the triathlon bringing hundreds of athletes into Central and East London along with those wishing to cheer them on, the capital will be a busy place over the last weekend in July. To facilitate the race, there will be a number of major road closures over the weekend as well as significant increases in the traffic on nearby roads. Here’s some useful information for those of you planning on heading into London over this busy period, whether by car, cab or public transport.
Information and Road Closures
Organisers suggest that road users avoid driving near the triathlon route on Saturday or Sunday, with particular emphasis on the stretch covering Tidal Basin Road, Lower Lee Crossing and Royal Albert Way. These routes should be reopening at 18.00 on Sunday.
Should you be travelling to City Airport, here are the suggested routes:
- Head eastbound along Newham Way (A13) via Canning Town. A mile after Canning Town Station, turn right onto Prince Regent Lane (A112) and follow this until the roundabout. Here, take the second exit (signposted City Airport, Silvertown, Excel (West), Woolwich Ferry) and proceed across Connaught Bridge.
- Alternatively head south on the Royal Docks Road (A1020) to Gallions Roundabout and take the first exit.
Even when using these routes, drivers and cab users should be aware that traffic could be heavy and should allow extra time for their journeys particularly if travelling on the A13 between the Newham Way Junction with the A406 and the Blackwall Tunnel. Official London Triathlon closures map for Saturday and Sunday July 27th and 28th
On Sunday (day of the event), Southwark Bridge and Tower Bridge will also both be closed to through traffic.
Sunday Closures: 05.00h – 12.00h
Victoria Embankment, Upper Thames Street, Lower Thames Street and Byward Street to Tower Hill.
Sunday Closures: 05.00h – 18.00h
The Highway, Limehouse Link Tunnel, Aspen Way and East India Dock Tunnel.
Information for spectators
For those of you wanting to head down and watch the race, make your way towards the ExCeL Centre for the best view. For information specific to viewing the cycling, swimming or running click here.
Prudential RideLondon, weekend of 3rd – 4th August 2013
Over the first weekend of August, London and Surrey will host the RideLondon cycling festival, celebrating all things pedal-powered.
On Saturday, more than 50,000 cyclists of all abilities are expected to take part in the Central London event that orbits the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The route will be closed off to all other traffic for the duration of the event, with no definitive word on reopening times. Here is a map of the route for the Saturday event with the purple section outlining the area that will likely be affected by heavy traffic during the day of August 3rd.
On Sunday, the professionals and recreational riders alike will be in action, over the 100-mile route that starts at the Olympic Park, takes in South-West London and Surrey, then loops back to finish at The Mall. For leaflets with detailed information on road closures in your area click here. For a map of the route for August 4th with the expected areas of traffic congestion outlined in purple click here.
Organisers suggest avoiding the areas nearest the routes if at all possible, but if you are planning to travel, leave plenty of extra time for your journey. Why not order a taxi from ubiCabs: you can get a fixed quote (so no meter increasing the price if you’re caught in traffic) and you needn’t worry about finding somewhere to park.
