3-hour traffic delay possible between West Vancouver and Whistler this weekend

Drivers travelling between West Vancouver and Whistler might notice significant delays this weekend, as a cycling event will bring some road closures.

The RBC GranFondo Whistler takes place this Saturday, and a traffic advisory from the province warns that closures could slow drivers down by up to three hours. 

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Cyclists will travel over the Lions Gate Bridge, up Taylor Way and Cypress Bowl Road, along Highway 1 and Highway 99. They'll finish their race in Whistler.

Delays can be expected between 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and the province says drivers should plan their trips in advance.

Visit the province's website for a full list of traffic changes in effect to make way for the event. Here are some closures to make note of:

Stanley Park Causeway and Lions Gate Bridge:

• Closed to northbound traffic from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Motorists are advised to use the Second Narrows Bridge.
• One southbound lane will remain open on the Lions Gate Bridge and causeway.
• Access to Stanley Park Drive from Georgia Street will be closed from 3 to 8 a.m.

North and West Vancouver:

• Marine Drive between Capilano Road and Taylor Way will be closed westbound, with the exception of buses destined for Lions Gate Bridge.
• For access to Lions Gate Bridge and West Vancouver, vehicle traffic will detour to Lower Capilano Road, Welch Street, Wardance Street and Taylor Way between 5:30 and 8 a.m.
• Access to the Lions Gate Bridge southbound will remain open via Marine Drive eastbound from the West Vancouver side.

West Vancouver:

• Taylor Way – access between Marine Drive and Highway 1 will be closed from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m.
• Cypress Bowl Road – approximately 250 cyclists will travel along Cypress Bowl Road with police escorts, up and down the hill. Cypress Bowl Road will be closed from Highway 1 between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m. except for local traffic, and closed to southbound traffic from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
• Highway 1 – two eastbound lanes will be closed between Taylor Way and Horseshoe Bay from 5:30 to 10 a.m. Drivers will use Marine Drive eastbound instead.
• Highway 99 northbound (Horseshoe Bay to Tunnel Point) – single lane alternating traffic will be in effect for 2.6 kilometres until 11 a.m.

Whistler – multiple intersections with Highway 99 will be affected:

• Blackcomb Way West – closed in both directions.
• Village Gate Boulevard – closed to northbound and southbound traffic from Highway 99.
• Lorimer Road and Whistler Way – both roads open as alternatives to Village Gate.
• Whistler Way – expect delays.
• Northlands Boulevard at Village Gate – traffic signal will be flashing, with traffic control personnel on site until 4:30 p.m.