As hundreds of professional cyclists are set to take to Alberta roadways in the Tour of Alberta, Edmonton is serving as host for the first day of the event, and a number of downtown roads will be closed.

On Tuesday, city officials released the road closures in the downtown core; the race course itself will be closed to traffic from about 5:15 p.m. to 9 p.m. September 3.

However, officials are recommending anyone planning to head into the area to watch the race to avoid driving, and walk, ride bikes or take the LRT into the area, as a number of area roadways will be closed:

  • 96 Avenue and 100 Street between 2 and 8:30 p.m.
  • 107 Street between 3:30 and 9 p.m.
  • Grierson Hill, River Valley Road, and 97, 100, 101, and 102 Streets between 5:15 and 9 p.m.
  • 102, and 102A Avenues between 5:15 and 9 p.m.
  • Walterdale Hill and Walterdale Bridge between 6 and 8:30 p.m.
  • 99 Street, south of 102 Avenue between Noon and 9 p.m.

In addition, starting on August 31, 99 Street, and 102 Avenue to the City Hall Parkade will be closed until September 4.

City officials recommend anyone not wishing to take part in the festival, should avoid downtown altogether that afternoon.

“Our advice to citizens not coming out to cheer is to simply avoid downtown between 4 and 9 p.m.,” Civic Events Director Ellen Finn said in a press release. “We hope many people will come downtown or linger downtown at the end of the work day to watch the race and take part in the festival in Churchill Square.

“People wanting to head home should leave downtown well before road closures for the event are put into place.”

Later that day, once the race has started, the city said the only exit from downtown will be southbound on McDougall Hill, 103 Street and 106 Street, and major delays are to be expected on roads from 82 Street to 112 Street, and 82 Avenue to 107 Avenue.

More information on the Edmonton leg of the Tour of Alberta can be found online, the race stages will continue in different parts of the province, starting with Strathcona County September 4, and the race will wrap up September 8 in Calgary.