Southern Connector closed to traffic, open to cyclists for USA Cycling event
April 15, 2015
GREENVILLE, SC – The Southern Connector will play host to its first USA Cycling Professional Team Time Trial National Championships on Sunday, April 19.
The Connector will close to vehicle traffic at 5 a.m. on the morning of the event, but the public is invited to participate in the Southern Connector Fun Ride along the course prior to the start of the championship race. A $30 entry fee, payable to USA Cycling, is required for each rider and will provide access to the course. The fee also includes a commemorative T-shirt.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol will oversee the road closure beginning at 5 a.m., placing barriers at all entry points onto the Connector.
At 8 a.m., the course will open to the public for the Fun Ride. The course is a 20-mile loop that covers the entirety of the Connector. The course will be cleared by 10 a.m., when the professional team trials begin.
The championship event is anticipated to end at 1:30 p.m. and will be followed by an awards ceremony. The Highway Patrol will work to open the Connector back up to vehicles as quickly as possible.
Registration for the public ride will be open until April 18. Participants can register at www.bikevilleclassic.com.
About the Southern Connector
The 16-mile Southern Connector was opened in 2001, almost nine months ahead of schedule and under budget. The road was built with private money through a unique public-private partnership. No tax money was used for construction of the road, but the state owns the highway, while the Association has the right to collect and retain tolls under a license from the state through 2051. Go to www.southernconnector.com for more information.
