USA Cycling returns to Oak Ridge June 22; here's how it'll impact traffic, neighborhoods

Oak Ridge is set to host its 5th annual USA Cycling Individual Time Trial National Championships on Thursday. Elite cyclists from across the nation will converge on the city to showcase their skill and determination as they compete for the championship title.

And because of the cycling championships there will be road closures and impacts on some Oak Ridge neighborhoods.

The cycling event will take place on a closed-loop course along Melton Lake Drive and can be viewed by spectators. The women's race starts at 9:30 a.m.; the men's race at approximately noon.

All roads affected will re-open after 5 p.m., according to a news release.

Melton Lake Drive

• 7 a.m.: Partial shutdown of Melton Lake Drive begins. The closure runs from Amanda Drive to Emory Valley Road

• 8:30 a.m.: Melton Lake Drive will be closed from Palisades Parkway to Rolling Links Boulevard. Union Valley Road will also be closed. Residents of the Rivers Run, Rockbridge and Royal Troon neighborhoods may enter and exit right onto Melton Lake Drive toward Edgemoor Road until full closure.

• 9:25 a.m.: Full closure of Melton Lake Drive from Palisades Parkway to Edgemoor Road, including the neighborhoods. Residents of Palisades Parkway may turn left onto Melton Lake Drive toward Oak Ridge Turnpike.

Neighborhood Impact

• 9 to 9:25 a.m.: Neighborhood residents may enter and exit during this window via Rolling Links Boulevard toward Edgemoor Road and will be assisted by the Oak Ridge Police Department. Please practice extra caution during this time. Cyclists will warm up along the course, including the neighborhoods.

• 9:25 a.m.: The Rivers Run, Rockbridge and Royal Troon neighborhoods, including the Rolling Links Boulevard entrance, will be shut down.

• 11:25 to 11:55 a.m.: Residents may enter and exit the neighborhood using Rolling Links Boulevard via Edgemoor Road between 11:25 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. In case of an emergency, an emergency medical service (EMS) and fire truck will be on standby. Any recurring services, including but not limited to home care, lawn care, or repair, will need to be rescheduled or arrive prior to 9:25 a.m. All vehicles along the race route must be in the driveway and off the road.

Emory Valley Road Access

• 8:30 a.m.: Emory Valley Road will be closed from the Artesia Drive intersection to Melton Lake Drive. Spectators will have walking access to Melton Lake Drive from Emory Valley Road. Otherwise, there will not be access via that route. Organizers suggest viewers park in the grassy lot at Melton Lake with the assistance of USA Cyclig and ORPD. They will also have walking access from Emory Valley Road as mentioned above. Residents of Amanda Drive or Emory Valley Road will need to take Antioch Drive, Baylor Drive or Baltimore Drive, etc. to exit the neighborhood.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: USA Cycling returns: here's how it'll impact traffic, neighborhoods