UPDATE, May 19: This article was updated Friday to reflect the latest closure information released by Caltrans District 5.
An IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon is coming to Morro Bay this weekend. Residents should expect closures and delays in the area, including along Highway 1 from Morro Bay to San Simeon.
The northbound and southbound Highway 1 onramps and offramps at State Route 41 in Morro Bay will be closed on May 20 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to a Caltrans District 5 press release.
REMINDER: The Ironman Triathlon is TOMORROW (5/20). Expect closures and delays from #MorroBay to #SanSimeon until the early afternoon. pic.twitter.com/i2yFkIXpdY
— Caltrans District 5 (@CaltransD5) May 19, 2023
The right lane of Highway 1 will be closed for approximately seven miles from State Route 41 to San Geronimo Road so bicyclists can use the lane.
The bicyclists will then only use the shoulder beyond that point.
The event takes place on Saturday, May 20 at 6 a.m. Athletes and personnel will arrive sooner throughout the week.
Athletes have 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete the event.
Vehicles will not be granted access to closed roads.
A full traffic and closure guide for the Morro Bay area can be found in the IRONMAN 70.3 traffic impact PDF.
The Morro Rock parking lot will be closed at Coleman Drive beginning Friday, May 19 at 8 p.m. and will reopen after the event on May 20.
The event will feature a 1.2-mile swim in the bay, a 56-mile bike ride on Highway 1 to San Simeon and a 13.1-mile run through Morro Bay. Caltrans is expecting nearly 2,000 participants to use the Highway 1 route.
Road Closures between 3 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday
- Embarcadero from Morro Rock to Pacific Street
- Pacific Street at Morro Ave
- Market Ave at Pacific Street
- Beach Street at Market Ave
Road Closures between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday
“The run course will affect Main Street south of Driftwood to the entrance of Morro Bay State Park, Olive between Main and Morro, and Morro between Olive and Pacific,” the City of Morro Bay website reads. “Access to the Launch ramp will be made through Marina.”
For a full list of street closures, visit the City of Morro Bay website.
The city asks for residents to park elsewhere if they have a driveway that fronts onto Main Street, as vehicles will not be able to enter or travel along Main of the run route between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that Highway 1 would be closed between Morro Bay and San Simeon during the race.
