Olympic Route Network

A map of the Olympic Route Network through Weymouth & Portland, showing the temporary changes to roads in the borough, is now available on the London 2012 website.

Helping local businesses prepare

Weymouth and Portland is one of only two locations outside of London receiving an additional level of support from London 2012 to help local businesses plan their operations in the lead up to and during the Games.

Dorset County Council workplace travel co-ordinator Chris Hook will be working with the local business community on behalf of the Olympic Delivery Authority.

Weymouth Town division county councillor Howard Legg said:

“It may feel like a long way off, but we know that businesses will want to start making plans for how they will be able to keep operating throughout the Games.

“London 2012, in partnership with all local authorities, will very soon be working with local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and individual organisations to help them prepare.

Traffic and parking management

To ensure a safe pedestrian environment – with the number of walkers expected to significantly increase – there are five proposed changes to the road network in the town centre.

Between 10am and 10pm – the busiest arrival and departure times for visitors – King Street and The Esplanade will become pedestrian areas, Trinity Road will become access only and the Town Bridge will be closed to private vehicles.

Buses and taxis will still be able to use Town Bridge, and discussions are ongoing with the bus companies as to where buses heading towards The Statue will terminate.

Park and ride

Planning applications will soon be submitted by the Olympic Delivery Authority for five temporary park and ride sites that will be used by ticketed spectators and other visitors to Weymouth and Portland on sailing event days.

Two sites are proposed outside Dorchester which will catch drivers from the A35 westbound and eastbound.

One site is proposed for agricultural land in the Littlemoor area.

The new Mount Pleasant park and ride site is proposed to be utilised for ticketed spectators.

Lodmoor park and ride side is proposed to be used as a park and stride.

London 2012 – Weymouth venue transport plans

Transport planning professionals have been working for the past eighteen months to plan for the increased number of visitors to Weymouth and Portland during the Games.

The Olympic Delivery Authority has been working with Dorset County Council to draw up the temporary transport proposals that will help vehicle and pedestrian access in and around Weymouth during the Games.

Wherever possible, holiday-makers, visitors and residents will be encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle within the borough.

To encourage residents and visitors to cycle, temporary additional bicycle parking will be brought into the town.

Day-trippers will be encouraged to arrive by bus, train or on a scheduled coach or, if driving is their only option, they will be asked to book a space at one of the temporary park and ride facilities.