Motorists have been urged to plan ahead ready for the Queen’s Baton Relay event being held in the North and North-West tomorrow.

Motorists may face delays of up to 15 minutes while roads are temporarily closed as the baton relay progresses along the route.

The GOLDOC Committee in conjunction with local governments determined the route.

The relay will be held in Launceston tomorrow (Wednesday 7 February), with the first segment of the Tasmanian leg with the baton travelling from East Launceston Primary School to Civic Square between approximately 9:15am – 10:30am.

There will be road closures in and around East Launceston Primary School and through the Launceston CBD area as the convoy makes it way to Civic Square.

Road closures and some parking restrictions, particularly in the vicinity of the school will be in place, from around 8:00am until the relay concludes at Civic Square at 10:30am where a community celebration is being held.

Tomorrow afternoon, the city of Devonport and city of Burnie will host their segments of the relay commencing at Devonport at approximately 1:45pm and concluding on the Burnie Waterfront at approximately 5:30pm.

In Devonport, there will be road closures between Mersey Bluff and Rooke Street Mall commencing from approximately 1:45pm and concluding at approximately 3:20pm. Parking restrictions and some road closures will be in and around St Brendan Shaw College, Nixon Street Primary School and Devonport High School. The baton will be displayed for a short period of time on arrival at Rooke Street Mall.

In Burnie, there will be road closures between Wivenhoe Showgrounds and Burnie Waterfront commencing from approximately 4:50pm and concluding at approximately 5:30pm. These will particularly affect traffic movement on the Bass Highway and Wilson Street during that time. A community event to celebrate the baton will be held at the Burnie Waterfront at the conclusion of the relay.

Commander Brett Smith said that motorists were advised to plan their trip ahead so that any delays were minimised.

“We are working closely with the relay’s organisers, local communities and State and Territory police agencies on arrangements for the Queen’s Baton Relay and we’re committed to making the relay a safe, successful and joyous event for all Tasmanians,” he said.

“We understand that closing roads – even for a short period of time – can be disruptive, so we’re asking motorists to plan ahead to make sure that any delays are minimised.

“We’re encouraging people to check out any road closures in advance – and plan their trip accordingly.”

Commander Smith said that there will be a strong and visible police presence on all road and at static events to ensure safety and security of all participants and spectators.

For a full list of affected roads, check out the Tasmania Police Facebook page www.facebook/tas.police or https://www.police.tas.gov.au/community-alerts/

For more information about the Commonwealth Games, check out www.gc2018.com