By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: June 27, 2012
RBC GranFondo Whistler organizers are proposing an alternate route for this year’s race.
Rather than using Logger’s Lane and Centennial Way, riders will keep to Hwy 99 for the entire race.
Fondo organisers hope this would minimize traffic impact by providing an uninhibited East/West connector via the Hwy 99.underpass for residents who wish to access Brennan Park Rec Centre.
The plan would also allow free movement for residents of Finch, Robin, and Raven Drive.
This alternate route, it is hoped, would also help riders pass through Squamish area faster, resulting in shorter closures at Garibaldi Way and Mamquam Road.
In previous years, riders travelled on Loggers Lane for about two kilometres before re-joining the Sea to Sky highway at Centennial Way.
“The modified route will ensure a more enjoyable experience for both participants and the local community,” said Kirsten Mihailides, media relations for the GranFondo.
Due to the volume of riders participating in the event on September 8, 2012, the Sea to Sky Highway requires the following intersection closures in Squamish to accommodate the event:
• 08:30 to 8:45 a.m. – Intermittent delays at east-west crossings
• 08:45 to 10:45 a.m. – Full closures at east-west crossings
• 10:45 to 11:00 a.m. – Frequent delays at east-west crossings
• 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. – Intermittent delays
The race format will be the same as last year’s event with the riders in the right-hand northbound Lane, traffic in left-hand north bound lane, and no change to southbound traffic lanes.
The race course changes would cause the following intersections to be modified to accommodate the racers:
1. Cleveland Avenue – One Cleveland Ave Eastbound lane to Hwy 99 closed. One Hwy 99 Northbound turn lane closed. Westbound traffic from Loggers Lane will be closed.
2. Industrial Way – Northbound Hwy 99 left hand turn lane movements allowed when traffic permits. Left hand turn lane from Industrial Way to Hwy 99 allowed when traffic permits
3. Commercial Way – Proposed full closure of Commercial Way.
Garibaldi Village Mall, located alongside highway 99, will be designated an official spectator area for people interested in cheering on the cyclists, Mihailides said.
To learn more about the event and traffic information go to www.september8.ca .
