Residents urged to plan transport ahead of Air Show event
Date published: 11 October 2016
This weekend’s T150 Defence Force Air Show and Townsville Bulletin Sky Show is expected to attract about 80,000 visitors to the Strand.
To plan for such a large influx of people, Council has worked with the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and emergency services on a detailed traffic management plan to limit congestion and for the safety of residents and visitors.
Mayor Jenny Hill encouraged residents to carefully consider their options around transport to avoid major traffic jams on the day.
“Council will offer free Park ‘n’ Ride shuttle buses from four locations across the city,” Cr Hill said.
“Reid Park and Dean St Car park will bring visitors to and from Oxley and Mitchell Sts
“1300Smiles Stadium and Cutheringa Park will drop off and pick up from Jezzine Barracks, covering both ends of The Strand.”
“All Park ‘n’ Ride services will run every 15 minutes from 9am to 9pm.
“We would like to avoid as much as possible, people parking in North Ward itself as this could cause major hold ups for visitors trying to get out at the end of the fireworks display.
“People parking in the North Ward area can expect delays of up to two hours after the event finishes. Vehicles parked across driveways or causing traffic hazards will be towed at the owner’s expense.
“I would also encourage residents to consider carpooling, to reduce the amount of vehicles coming into this part of the city.”
Acting Inspector Graeme Paine from Townsville Police also encouraged anyone attending the Air Show to use Park ‘n’ Ride services.
“We anticipate significant congestion in and around the North Ward area throughout most of Saturday so the Park ‘n’ Ride service represents the most practical transport alternative for anyone planning on attending the Air Show,” he said.
“It should be a fantastic day for the local community and there will be a significant police presence in the area to assist with general safety and traffic management.
“Given the likely volume of people within the North Ward area during the Air Show, it is possible there may be issues with the mobile phone network, so I encourage everyone to have a plan in place prior to attending which incorporates meeting points and sufficient time considerations when arriving and departing the event; and above all, please be patient.”
Restricted access will apply to local residents and businesses inside the Event Zone and they have been informed of the alternative arrangements and limitations over the weekend.
Controlled traffic conditions in North Ward outside the Event Zone will assist traffic flow.
The Strand’s seaside lane including car parks will be closed from 5am on Friday, October 14 until 5am on Monday, October 17. This will mean one-way northbound traffic only. A total road closure on the Strand will be in place the day of the event from 5am until midnight.
Mitchell St will be closed to traffic for the day, as this will be an access road for emergency services only.
Castle Hill Rd will be closed to vehicles on the event day from 5am to midnight. The road will still be open to pedestrians.
Further details www.townsville.qld.gov.au whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au or 1300 878 001.
