How Will The Ironman Affect Traffic In Central Maine?

In early 2022, we got word that Augusta, Maine was to become a host city for the Ironman triathlon.  At that time, most of us did not know just how lucky we were.  Not only was Maine's capital city going to host the event in 2022, it would also host the event in 2023 and 2024.

Hosting the massive sporting event is an honor.  Not only does this giant event bring attention to our corner of New England, it also brings a large amount of money into the area.  The thousands of athletes, team members, family members, friends, and spectators spend millions of dollars on lodging, meals, convenience items, and more.

And, of course, there are also the residual benefits of the event.  People who may never have made a trip to Central Maine are exposed to our area.  If they have a good time while they are here there is a good chance that, down the road, they will plan another visit to Central Maine or the Mid-Coast.

Check out this video teasing the 2022 Augusta Ironman 70.3

Even though the video does not make me want to participate in a triathlon, it DOES make me want to visit Central Maine!

How Will The Ironman Triathlon Affect You?

Even if you are not directly involved in the event, there is a chance that you may still be affected.

On Thursday and Friday, you will probably notice an increase in traffic on our roads and streets.  This should not cause any traffic backups, but the extra people may cause it to take a little longer to get where you're going.

While most of the real delays and road closures will happen on Sunday, it is important to remember that there will be a few streets closed in the days leading up to the event.

Union Street in Augusta will be closed from 5 PM on Friday (July 28th) through Sunday (July 30th).  There'll be no access to North Front Street in downtown Augusta from Thursday through Sunday.  There'll also be no access to the Greenway Boat Landing Park from Saturday evening through Sunday.

The actual event gets underway at 6 AM with the swim.  The bicycle portion follows the swim and the event ends with the run.

Because of the biking and running part of the race, some streets will be closed on the day of the event.  Also, many streets will be sporadically closed.

Closed streets include Northbound Middle Street in Hallowell, Lincoln Street in Hallowell, Northbound 2nd Street at Winthrop Street, Northbound Water Street from the traffic circle to Bridge Street in Augusta, Arsenal Street from Cony Street to Route 9 in Augusta, and 197 & Old Ferry Road.

You can find a complete list of closures and delays HERE

Please Be Kind And Welcoming

With all of the extra people in town traffic will be flowing a little more slowly and stores / restaurants will be a little busier.  Please keep that in mind as you go about your day.  Of course you're going to be welcoming to all of our visitors, but please also be a little more patient when it comes to dealing with the workers at our stores and restaurants.