Philly road closures begin for Cycling Classic
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Philly is already in race mode, and began shutting down major roadways ahead of this weekend's Philadelphia Cycling Classic.
Why it matters: The major race returns to the city for the first time following a 10-year hiatus.
🚧 Driving the news: The race will shut down major roads from 3am-10pm Sunday, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, plus several streets in Manayunk and Roxborough.
- Officials are warning residents to move their vehicles from the race course before 3am Sunday or risk being towed.
- Most race-day closures are expected to remain in effect through 10pm Sunday.
🚌 Zoom in: The entire stretch of Kelly Drive will be closed to automobiles and parking.
- At least 17 SEPTA routes will be detoured, starting at 4am Sunday.
Catch up quick: Officials began shutting down the inner lanes of the Parkway between 20th Street and Binswanger Triangle on Thursday.
- MLK Jr. Drive between Eakins Oval and Falls Bridge will close at 8am Saturday and remain closed to vehicle traffic until Monday.
- Sedgley Drive between Girard Avenue and Poplar Drive will close at noon Saturday and remain closed through the conclusion of the event.
Reality check: There's no event parking.
- Spectators are encouraged to take public transportation, bike or walk to the event.
What else: Amateurs can take part in an 8-mile time trial on Saturday at 9am along MLK Drive.
- Cyclists can also ride a loop of the pro course during the American Association for Cancer Research's charity ride on Sunday at 6:30am.
👀 Best viewing spots:
- On the Parkway at the start/finish line (near Eakins Oval).
- Manayunk's Main Street and "The Wall" along Levering Street and Lyceum Avenue in Manayunk and Roxborough.
- Lemon Hill.
- Along Kelley Drive.
- Reservoir Drive.
- Manayunk Avenue (the "Fall from the Wall") where riders will reach some of their highest speeds.
