_ (press release) _

** Ottawa ** – The Ottawa Triathlon will take place on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Motorists should expect road closures along the race route, which includes Colonel By Drive, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Preston Street south of Carling Avenue, Prince of Wales Drive north of the Central Experimental Farm Pathway, and Pretoria Bridge. Additional short-term closures will also be in place on roads connecting to the race route.

Preston Street south of Carling Avenue will close on Friday, July 22 at 7 p.m. It will reopen on Sunday, July 24 at 4 p.m. Additional closures and times are listed below:

** Saturday, July 23 **

Closed from 6 to 10 a.m.

* Colonel By Drive between Pretoria Bridge and Hog’s Back Road * Pretoria Bridge. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists. * Queen Elizabeth Drive between Bank Street and Pretoria Bridge

Closed from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

* Queen Elizabeth Drive between Preston Street and Bank Street * Prince of Wales Drive between the Central Experimental Farm Pathway and Preston Street. Full access will be maintained to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Dominion Arboretum.

** Sunday, July 24 **

Closed from 6 to 9 a.m.

* Colonel By Drive between Pretoria Bridge and Hog’s Back Road * Pretoria Bridge. Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists. * Queen Elizabeth Drive between Bank Street and Pretoria Bridge

Closed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Queen Elizabeth Drive between Preston Street and Torrington Place * Prince of Wales Drive between the Central Experimental Farm Pathway and Preston Street. Full access will be maintained to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Dominion Arboretum.

Information and variable message signs will be in place all week to provide information about closures and detours. Police will be on-hand to direct traffic on Prince of Wales Drive, Pretoria Bridge and Bank Street.

The competition on Sunday, July 24 will not interfere with NOKIA Sunday Bike Days on Colonel By Drive.