Street closures, transit disruptions, and parking bans planned over long weekend in Halifax

The Blue Nose Marathon and sporting events this weekend are disrupting transit, streets and parking downtown Halifax.

Residents of Halifax should expect street closures, parking impacts and transit disruptions over the long weekend, according to a news release from the municipality.

The annual Blue Nose Marathon will see some streets closed while police will allow traffic to pass through select areas when participants aren’t on the street.

A full list of street closures by day can be found on the Blue Nose Marathon website.

Parking bans will also be in effect in several areas, and several bus routes will be detoured during the races.

“Every year, the Blue Nose Marathon brings out thousands of participants and spectators. Motorists are advised to drive carefully, allow for extra travel time and to keep an eye out for people on the streets,” reads the news release.

“Overall, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend. We’re expecting about 11,000 participants, the most that we’ve seen in the past 10 years,” says Sherri Robbins, executive director of the marathon.

“It’s fantastic, we’re really excited. Lots of volunteers, we’ve got about 1,400 volunteers that are helping to make the weekend take shape and make everything possible for our participants,” Robbins adds.

And it’s not just runners converging on Halifax’s downtown – lacrosse and soccer fans will be out this weekend, too.

A viewing party for the Halifax Thunderbirds is taking place Friday night at the Scotiabank Centre, and the Halifax Tides are playing Monday at the Wanderers Grounds, making it a busy weekend for traffic disruptions.

“Today we are so excited for our first live viewing party from inside the nest,” says Maki Jenner, head of communications for the Halifax Thunderbirds.

“It’s lower bowl access only, first come first serve. Doors are opening at 8 p.m., so make sure you get here nice and early to secure your seat,” she says, adding they’ll have lots of excitement ready for game two against Toronto.

“Parking is always a fun time in Halifax, so make sure you’re able to get down here nice and early,” says Jenner.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Brianne Foley

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