The organisers of a road race in Derry at the weekend have apologised for what they described as the “unforeseen traffic congestion” the event caused in the city.
One lane of the city’s Strand Road was closed to facilitate the Walled City 10-mile race’s 2,000 runners on Saturday morning, March 9.
They said it was necessary because of a change to the race’s usual course due to the construction of the city’s newest bridge.
They said delays were “far beyond” anything anticipated by the organisers.
However, locals said it should have been run on a Sunday morning when there is less traffic and not a busy Saturday just 24 hours before Mother’s Day.
The organisers said in a statement: “We understand the frustration caused by the traffic congestion and sincerely once again apologise for any inconvenience experienced by the community during our event.
“Moving forward, we will strive to minimise disruptions and maintain the integrity of our event while accommodating the needs of our participants and the public”.
Police are to review the event’s traffic management with race organisers. It had posted on its Derry City and Strabane Facebook page on Saturday advising the public about the traffic congestion in the city centre.
But people responded to the message saying it was too little too late for those stuck in traffic queues for up to an hour.
A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware of, and we understand the frustration experienced by drivers who were caught in lengthy and long traffic tailbacks on Saturday,” .
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan was among those taking part in the race.
He told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today the congestion had caused “many people inconvenience, some people considerable expense”.
He added: “This could have been avoided if we collectively had been better getting the messaging out to the public and identifying diversions so that people would know to set out earlier and avoid particular areas.”
Organisers said the race’s traditional route along the city’s quay could not be used because of the works at the new Pennyburn bridge.
“Despite efforts to find alternatives, including engaging with contractors and securing necessary permits, the only viable option was to create a temporary lane restriction on Strand Road,” they said.
Organisers added: “We provided a traffic management plan to the Department for Infrastructure and Derry, which was printed in the local press and granted after the consultation period with no objections”.
A Derry City and Strabane District Council spokeswoman said the road closure had been granted in full consultation with relevant authorities including the police and other emergency services.
She added: “It is important to note that the ongoing works to develop the greenway and the pedestrian bridge along this route would prevent many of the issues highlighted recurring in the future.”
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