By ANNA USHER

Lower north shore residents are being urged to plan ahead this weekend, with significant road closures, detours and clearway restrictions in place for the 2025 TCS Sydney Marathon.

The event, now recognised as one of just seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, will bring more than 50,000 runners and an estimated 300,000 spectators to Sydney on Sunday 31 August.

With the start line on Miller Street in North Sydney, residents can expect major disruptions well before the 6:30am start time.

Key Road Closures

From 2am until 12pm on Sunday, roads around the Miller Street precinct will be shut to traffic. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Western Distributor will both close between 3am and 11am, cutting direct access between the Harbour Bridge and Anzac Bridge during this time.

Motorists are advised to use the Harbour Tunnel instead, though extensive delays are anticipated. The Cross City Tunnel will operate toll-free between 5am and 4:30pm to help ease congestion.

Special event clearways will also be in effect from midnight until 3pm on roads along and surrounding the marathon course.

Vehicles left in clearways will be towed, so residents are urged to check signage carefully the night before.

Transport and Travel Options

Authorities are strongly encouraging locals to leave the car at home and rely on public transport.

• Train: North Sydney Station is the closest stop to the start line.
• Metro: Victoria Cross and Crows Nest stations will also provide access.
• Bus: Services across North Sydney and the CBD will be impacted by closures, but diversions and additional services will be in place.

The finish line for the full marathon will be at the Sydney Opera House, with Circular Quay Station the best option for return journeys.

Police and Safety Operation

A large-scale police operation will run throughout the day, with support from the Traffic and Highway Patrol, Dog Unit, Mounted Police and PolAir.

Superintendent Paul Devaney said safety and planning are the top priorities:
“Participants and spectators are urged to leave their car at home and catch public transport … Large crowds are expected in the Sydney CBD, and pedestrians and motorists need to take extra care.”

For up-to-date information, visit the website or via Live Traffic Website.

What it Means for Local Residents

Kirribilli & Milsons Point

• Expect road closures around the Harbour Bridge approaches from 3am–11am.
• Access in and out of Kirribilli will be extremely limited during this time — residents are advised to avoid driving until after midday.
• Street parking will be impacted by special event clearways — check signage carefully on Saturday night.

Neutral Bay & Cremorne

• No marathon course runs directly through Neutral Bay or Cremorne, but traffic diversions and congestion are expected as motorists avoid North Sydney.
• Harbour Tunnel access southbound will remain open but delays are likely.
• Locals heading into the city should take public transport.

North Sydney

• Miller Street and surrounding roads will be closed 2am–12pm around the marathon start line.
• Expect major delays if trying to drive through North Sydney on Sunday morning.
• Bay Road from Pacific Highway will be the permitted entry route into North Sydney between 3 am and 11 am, since direct harbour crossing isn’t available
• Walker Street residents will have displaced parking at Ward Street Carpark, with access permitted before 4 am and after 10 am; no access between 4 am and 10 am
• Other managed exits: Berry Street, Angelo, Arthur, Faith Bandler Place, Harnett Street, Junction Lane, Little Spring Street – all with similar pre4 am / post10 am vectored access

Tip for everyone: Plan ahead, leave early, and keep Live Traffic NSW open on your phone before setting out.