MotoGP crowds warned of dangerous weather for journey to Phillip Island

A three-day crowd of more than 80,000 is expected at the Phillip Island circuit but fans are being warned of delays due to dangerous driving conditions.

A three-day crowd of more than 80,000 is expected at the Phillip Island circuit after a three-year break because of Covid restrictions.

The Department of Transport has warned of delays in the coming days on roads including the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway and Bass Highway.

Victoria Police has also warned of dangerous wet conditions on Thursday when thousands of riders head to the island.

Some parts of the circuit campground have been closed because of water-logged conditions.

On Sunday, blue line markings will be in place to ensure vehicles leave Phillip Island safely after the MotoGP.

The blue line on the Melbourne-bound lane of Phillip Island Rd adds an extra lane of traffic for vehicles by using the emergency lane.

Notifying spectators via social media, the Australian MotoGP said that “modified arrangements” would be made for private parking at the Phillip Island circuit.

Fans have been encouraged to utilise the Catch-a-Coach bus services to and from the circuit when possible.

The Australian MotoGP has cited the anticipated heavy rain as the reason for the modified parking arrangements, set to come into effect on October 14.

Flags on the Phillip Island bridge for the motogp have been blown away in wild weather.

Flags frenzy begins

The MotoGP frenzy had already started on Tuesday, with advertising flags going flying from the bridge.

Flags promoting the GP were hung off the light posts on the bridge last week but wild weather damaged nine of them.

A Bass Coast Shire Council spokesman said council was working to replace the flags before the weekend.

“Council is working with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) and their flag supplier to determine if new flags can be delivered prior to the weekend,” a spokesman said.

“Council will work closely with Regional Roads Victoria should flags be delivered so that flags can be installed (the road will need to be closed while works are undertaken).”

Council was able to remove the flags on Sunday morning that were damaged.

Council apologised to the community for the flags being damaged.

“The flags that we received this year didn’t have the same supporting structures such as eyelets to withstand the wintry conditions over the weekend. Replacement flags are being sought only if they are available in time for the event,” a spokesman said.

MotoGP Events

The MotoGP action officially kicks off on Thursday and continues until Sunday.

There will be free entertainment and activities in Cowes throughout the extended weekend

The bottom part of Thompson Ave will become a licensed festival zone on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, featuring a super screen and stage, showing race highlights, including a replay of the MotoGP race, as well as plenty of live music.

Mayor Michael Whelan is encouraging everyone to get involved with events across the weekend.

“The MotoGP weekend is full of incredible events, both on and off the track. The Island will come alive with free family friendly activities, entertainment and fun,” Cr Whelan said.

The free activities kick off on Thursday, when the 18th annual Barry Sheene Ride, featuring 500 riders, passes through Wonthaggi at around 12.15pm and stops in at San Remo at around 1pm.

Bass Coast residents are eligible for free general admission to the track on Friday, by showing proof of residency at the Gate 1 ticket box.

After a day at the track, there will be live entertainment in Cowes, starting with local performers Alysha & Duffy at 6pm followed by The Laing Bros at 9pm.

The Cowes main stage will have live entertainment for much of the day on Saturday, with Bern Carroll at 6pm and Thunderstruck headlining at 9pm.

On Race Day (Sunday), the Cowes main stage will play a replay of the 2022 MotoGP race at 7pm, with live music from Rehash, who will play from 6pm to 10pm, when the entertainment finishes.

The Red Bull planes will be conducting an aerobatic display near the Grand Prix Circuit over the weekend. The planes will perform an aerial display from 1.25pm to 1.35pm on Sunday.

Traffic Considerations

From Friday to Sunday, Gap Road south of Back Beach Road will be closed to traffic, and Gap Road north of Back Beach Road will have restricted access from Ventnor Beach Road between 7.30am and 7.30pm. Gap Road residents will have access via Phillip Island Road at all times.

On Sunday Back Beach Road will operate as one way only from Beachcomber Ave to the Circuit, between 6.30am and midday. Later in the day, from 2pm to 6pm, the one way will change direction, operating from the Circuit to Phillip Island Road, Melbourne bound.

The blue line will be in operation on Phillip Island Road between Back Beach Road and the Bass Highway merge on Sunday from 3pm to 7pm.

Traffic on Phillip Island Road can become extremely busy on Monday, when many of the event goers and workers leave the Island. If possible, please avoid travel on Phillip Island Road from 9am until around 1.pm.

Originally published as MotoGP crowds warned of dangerous weather for journey to Phillip Island