Drivers on the Atlantic City Expressway and parts of Albany Avenue should expect delays, lane closures and exit closures as cyclists and runners share the road this morning during the Atlantic City Triathlon.
Race director Stephen Delmonte said that the traffic plan calls for closing the right lane and shoulder of the Atlantic City Expressway between the Brigantine connector and Exit 5 for the bicycle course. Exit 2 will be closed to traffic between 7 and 11 a.m.
Nearly 1,200 racers will compete in two courses today, with this year’s race centered at Bader Field. The international distance race consists of a
1-mile swim, a 20-mile bike ride and a 10-kilometer run. The sprint distance, which is new this year, consists of a ¼-mile swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 5-kilometer run.
At last year’s inaugural event, the race was based at Boardwalk Hall and the more than 300 triathletes biked two laps of the expressway. Police shut down traffic on several major arteries in the city and the expressway, causing severe traffic back-ups.
Organizers this year moved the course to Bader Field — in conjunction with the Atlantic City Seafood Festival — to ensure a safer swimming course in the bay and to help ease traffic congestion.
Triathletes on the cycling leg will turn right on to Albany Avenue and ride to Exit 2 to enter the expressway. Those competing in the sprint distance will ride to Exit 5 in Pleasantville, which will be closed to traffic, and turn around on the overpass, before heading back to Exit 2 and Albany Avenue.
Those competing in the international distance will complete a second lap of the expressway by riding into Atlantic City and turning around at the Brigantine connector.
“Free-flowing traffic (on the expressway) will be smooth, unlike last year,” Delmonte said.
Motorists traveling near Albany Avenue will encounter delays as two lanes will be shut down for runners between Bader Field and the Boardwalk. Much of the run course takes place on the Boardwalk.
Police will be directing traffic at all intersections, and Delmonte said traffic will be allowed to cross Albany Avenue when there are no runners in the way. Motorists will not be able to turn onto Albany Avenue from Atlantic Avenue, Delmonte said.
Contact Sarah Watson:
609-272-7216
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