Ironman Triathlon to affect campus area traffic

The eastbound lane of Observatory Drive between Walnut and North Park streets will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m.-midnight on Sunday, Sept. 12, for the run portion of the Ironman triathlon.

UW police are asking motorists to use an alternative route during those hours. The westbound lane of the drive will remain open, but drivers should use caution and be on the lookout for the runners to ensure their safety.

Students and others who use the Howard Temin Lakeshore Path for walking, running or biking should be aware that the path from the Memorial Union to just west of Picnic Point also will be closed from 11 a.m.-midnight.

Limited access to university residence halls, the Helen C. White parking ramp (Lot 6) and the Memorial Union will be maintained.

Several city streets in the campus area also will be used for the run, including North Park from the lakeshore path to State Street, Old University Avenue from Breese Terrace to Walnut Street, and Walnut from Old University to Lot 60. An effort will be made to keep open one lane of traffic in each direction on Old University and Walnut. However, police are asking motorists to avoid those streets unless they absolutely must drive on them.

Drivers should be alert for possible lane closures and traffic slowdowns, and keep a watchful eye out for runners. Police officers and volunteers will be on hand to direct traffic.

The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and other campus units will be hosting an aid station during the Ironman run again this year. It will be located in the 22nd mile of the 26.2-mile marathon, in front of the UW Foundation building at 1848 University Ave. (at the intersection of Old University and Princeton avenues). Approximately 120 volunteers will work in shifts to distribute fluids and other nutritional items to the runners. They’ll also provide encouragement to the athletes and cheer them on as they head for the finish line. In addition to Dane County alumni and university employees, members of the Monona Grove High School cross-country team will be among those helping out.

For more information, contact Chad Harris, WAA, at (608) 262-8444, chadharris@uwalumni.com, or Don Schutt, director of the Office of Human Resource Development, (608) 263-1016, dschutt@mail.bascom.wisc.edu.