The Mossel Bay Municipality has announced a series of road, lane and beach restrictions for Sunday 20 September as the Garden Route Triathlon stages its start and finish at Santos Beach. The event, part of the municipality's Sport & Recreation Festival programme, will bring competitors from across South Africa to contest swimming, cycling and running legs.
What will be closed and when
Organisers and the municipality have published staggered closures to allow the event to proceed while keeping pedestrian access to the beach precinct available for most of the day. Motorists and businesses in Mossel Bay, Hartenbos and Great Brak River should expect delays and plan alternative routes where possible.
- Santos Beach start/finish precinct: closed from 05:30 until 16:30 (pedestrian access maintained).
- Swimming: expected between 07:30 and 11:00.
- Munro Street (between George Road and the Transnet gate): full closure 05:30–16:30.
- George Road (between Church Street and Louis Fourie Road): southbound lane closed 06:30–14:30; George Road will remain affected until the running leg concludes.
- Louis Fourie Road (between George Road and the R328): southbound lane closed 06:30–13:10.
- Beach Boulevard West: affected 06:30–13:30.
- R102 (between Hartenbos and Great Brak River): lane closures 05:30–13:30.
- Running route restrictions (11:30–14:30): Church Street (George Street to Marsh Street); Bland Street (Church Street to Kloof Street); Marsh Street (Point Road to Church Street); Kloof Street (Marsh Street to the port entrance); Point Road.
Quick reference: closures and affected times
| Location | Restriction | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Santos Beach precinct | Full closure (pedestrian access retained) | 05:30–16:30 |
| Munro Street (George Rd–Transnet gate) | Full closure | 05:30–16:30 |
| George Road (Church St–Louis Fourie Rd) | Southbound lane closed | 06:30–14:30 |
| Louis Fourie Road (George Rd–R328) | Southbound lane closed | 06:30–13:10 |
| R102 (Hartenbos–Great Brak River) | Lane closures | 05:30–13:30 |
| Running route (various streets) | Route restrictions | 11:30–14:30 |
Residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the route and plan for Sunday, the municipality said.
The event layout means that George Road will be in use for both cycling and running segments and so may be disrupted for an extended period. Event organisers expect swimming activity to occupy the morning hours, while the running phase is scheduled for later in the day, which informs the staggered approach to restrictions.
What residents should do
Motorists travelling through central Mossel Bay, or along the R102 corridor between Hartenbos and Great Brak River, should allow extra travel time or take alternative roads where possible. Businesses that rely on timed deliveries into the CBD or port precinct should liaise with suppliers to reschedule around the stated closure windows.
Although pedestrian access to the Santos Beach precinct will be maintained, those planning to use the beach on Sunday are advised to expect higher numbers and to obey marshals' directions implemented for athletes' safety. Event staff and municipal officials will manage traffic and access points during the day.
The municipality has framed the event as part of its wider sports festival, and notes it draws athletes nationally. Local road users are urged to check municipal channels and race signage on the morning of the event for any last‑minute adjustments.
For residents who often commute along the affected corridors, Saturday evening is a good opportunity to confirm any planned movements on Sunday so that routines are not disrupted by closures early on Sunday morning.
