San José: Tour of California street closure details

For seven days in May, California will again be the backdrop of what promises to be one of the most exciting sporting events in the world of professional cycling. Beginning in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, May 15th and concluding in Thousand Oaks on Sunday, May 22nd will be the 2011 Amgen Tour of California cycling road race. Much like last year’s race some of the world’s best professional teams with athletes from throughout the world will race in seven days over a statewide course that has grown to over 850 miles of action filled racing. Below is a list of road closures that could impact your personal or business travel. Please consider your travel times during the impacted street closures.

Route Overview:
• Mt. Hamilton/Del Puerto Canyon Road to Alum Rock Avenue: The California Highway Patrol will close some regional roads for up to two hours. The first cyclists will arrive at Alum Rock and Mt. Hamilton Road at approximately 3:00 PM, continuing onto McKee, turning right onto Toyon Street, left on Penitencia, making a right on Piedmont, and a right on Sierra Road at 3:05 PM. All roads, but Sierra, will reopen when the last rider passes by.
• All times are approximate.

Notable Road Closures: Closures could be extended “If” Peloton (main pack) splits into smaller groups:
Alum Rock / Mc Kee / Penitencia Street Closures ( approximate):
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - will be closed for set up for race and will remain closed until the cleanup has concluded.

• 2:30 PM, through 3:45 PM Alum Rock, from the East Highlands- Miguelita to Kirk Road (both sides)
• 2:30 PM, through 3:45 PM McKee, from Alum Rock to Kyle Road (both sides)
• 2:30 PM, through 3:45 PM Toyon, from McKee to Penitencia (both sides)
• 2:30 PM, through 3:45 PM Penitencia, from Toyon to Kyle Road (both sides)
• 2:30 PM, through 3:45 PM Piedmont, from N. White Road to Pinnacle (both sides)

Traffic Bridges: across the Route (intermittent when possible)
• Berryessa Road and crossing Piedmont at Suncrest Avenue
• Toyon at Joanne Avenue

Sierra / Felter / Piedmont / Calaveras Road Closures:
Tuesday, May 17 at 7;00 AM to May 18 Midnight
• Sierra Rd from Skyview Dr to Felter Rd

Wednesday, May 18
• 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM ( approximately) Sierra Road – Local Traffic Only
• 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM ( approximately) Piedmont Road from Sierra Road to Penitencia Road

Where possible, alternate vehicular routes will be posted.

California Highway Patrol will accompany the race and make every effort to minimize the impact to residents, businesses, and traffic.

Road Closures That May Impact You: Most of the route will be handled as a rolling street closure: as cyclists approach, streets will be closed to all vehicular traffic including VTA Buses and Light Rail; streets will re-open after the last cyclist passes a given area.
No vehicular traffic will be allowed during any given closure. (Fire, police, and ambulance emergency vehicles will not be affected by road closures.)

Tow Away Zones: Many areas along the race route will be posted as “Tow Zones”. If your street is posted as a “Tow Zone”, please adhere to dates and times posted since the “Tow Zones” will be strictly enforced and vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense.

Businesses: Due to restricted vehicular access, businesses are encouraged to schedule deliveries accordingly.

Spectators: Everyone is welcome to attend the Stage 4 Finish. There will be many pre-race festivities and many great spots along Sierra Rd to watch the race. If you have any questions, additional information regarding the Amgen Tour of California is available at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com, www.sjsa.org www.vta.org/vtatofun or by calling (408) 793-4349. We hope to see you there!!!