More than 80,000 racing fans are expected to hit Phillip Island this weekend for the 2019 MotoGP, and the Department of Transport wants everyone to have a safe journey.
Racegoers can expect delays heading to and from the island for the 3-day event, running Friday 25 to Sunday 27 October.
Congestion is likely on the Monash Freeway, South Gippsland Highway, the Bass Highway, around San Remo, along Phillip Island Road and around the island.
The ‘blue line’ road marking system will be in place on the Melbourne-bound lane of Phillip Island Road. Blue lines on the road temporarily split traffic into two lanes, effectively doubling the capacity of the road.
A large number of motorcycles are expected on the roads. Drivers and riders have a shared responsibility in ensuring each others’ safety.
Thousands of motorcyclists will descend on High Street on Saturday 26 October in a huge street party, to depart en-mass for the Phillip Island Grand Prix.
Any rider can take part and no registration is required. Motorcycles can start lining up on High Street from 7.30 am.
Drivers need to remain vigilant at all times, as motorcyclists may be difficult to see. Use mirrors and do a head-check when changing lanes to make sure blind-spots are clear.
Motorcyclists are permitted to ride two-abreast, alongside one other rider, up to 1.5 metres apart.
Lane-splitting, the practice of motorcycle riders travelling at high speed between moving traffic, is not legal in Victoria. Lane-filtering however, travelling at up to 30km/h through stopped or slow-moving traffic, has been permitted since 2015.
Travel options from Melbourne to Phillip Island include:
· V/Line Train services linking Southern Cross Station with Stony Point to catch the connecting ferry.
· Metro Trains to Dandenong to catch a V/Line coach to Cowes. From Cowes, use local bus services to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.· Coaches will also depart from the Southern Cross Coach Terminal for Phillip Island on Friday at 6.25am & 9.10am, and on Saturday at 8.50am. On Sunday, coaches depart Southern Cross Station at 8.50am.
· Bus services operate between Cape Paterson/Inverloch/Wonthaggi and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
· Ferry services operate between Stony Point and Cowes
