The province’s largest road race is underway today, triggering extensive road closures across Paradise, Mount Pearl, and St. John’s. The event, which follows a route from Paradise through Mount Pearl to a finish line at Bannerman Park, has necessitated significant traffic diversions and parking restrictions that will remain in effect until at least lunchtime.
St. John’s Parking and Road Restrictions
St. John’s has implemented a series of rolling closures and parking bans to accommodate the race participants. Parking is restricted on Circular Road from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., while Military Road, from Garrison Hill to Cochrane Street, remains closed to vehicles between 7:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Additional closures in St. John’s include Cornwall Avenue, Hamilton Avenue, Lemarchant Road, and Harvey Road. While most of these closures are scheduled to clear by noon, some areas, such as Cornwall Avenue and Hamilton Avenue, have faced restrictions dating back to Saturday afternoon.
Paradise and Mount Pearl Transit Impacts
The race start area in Paradise has seen heavy restrictions since the early morning. Topsail Road, between Stanhope Drive and the McNamara Drive roundabout, was closed from 6:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. to facilitate the event’s start.
Commuters heading toward Mount Pearl are facing significant delays due to closures on the Outer Ring Road and Kenmount Road. Ramps at Exit 43 on both the East and West sides of the Outer Ring Road are closed to westbound traffic until 9:00 a.m. Similarly, both East and West ramps on Kenmount Road are restricted to westbound traffic during that same morning window.
What to Expect After the Race
As the race progresses toward Bannerman Park, traffic control personnel are managing flow in specific sections, such as Topsail Road between Burgeo Street and Columbus Drive, where eastbound traffic may move at reduced speeds. Once the race concludes and the final participants pass, authorities are expected to lift closures and restore standard traffic patterns.
Motorists traveling through the affected areas throughout the morning may find that detour routes remain busy. It is likely that local traffic will experience delays until the full reopening of the road network occurs by the early afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the road closures in St. John’s end?
Most road closures and parking restrictions in St. John’s are scheduled to conclude by 12:00 p.m.
Are there any sections of the race route still open to traffic?
Yes, eastbound traffic may be permitted at reduced speeds on Topsail Road, between Burgeo Street and Columbus Drive, under the direction of traffic control personnel.
Where does the race start and finish?
The race begins in Paradise—specifically at the McNamara Drive roundabout area—and travels through Mount Pearl before ending at Bannerman Park.
How will these road closures affect your commute through the city today?
