If you’re working somewhere in the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, or been to town lately for a spot of shopping or dining, you’ve probably noticed the barriers and barricades placed around the major roads within the city, not to mention stretches of freshly-tarred roads. The last time I saw something like that, it was during the ePrix (Formula E) race at Putrajaya in November last year.

11722213_668286756648660_5556711783516212917_o

If you haven’t heard the news yet, all these are preparations for the Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix happening this weekend, from 7 August (Friday) to 9 August (Sunday). This will be the first ever KL GT City Cup race, which will see GT teams from around the world speed around the streets of Kuala Lumpur. It is is a 80km street race that rewards the fastest driver and car to finish first over 25 laps within the challenging 3.2km circuit, which includes 16 corner turns, around the city. The circuit will flag off from Suria KLCC, and the drivers will zoom past Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, and Jalan Penang before ending back at the KLCC checkered flag.

11096480_620127324797937_1845049634815744640_n

The following roads will be closed for the race from 7 – 9 August, from 6am to 6pm:

  • Jalan Ampang
  • Jalan Sultan Ismail
  • Jalan Raja Chulan
  • Jalan Perak
  • Jalan P. Ramlee

Like most other racing events, there will also be a post-race concert after the final race on Sunday, which is set to feature local jazz and R&B songbird Dasha Logan, as well as singer, rapper and songwriter Kayda Aziz, among other entertainers that have yet to be revealed.

KLCGP post-race concert performers

There have been numerous complaints posted on the KL City Grand Prix’s Facebook page regarding bad planning and irresponsible road diversion management by the organizers, which have lead to traffic congestion during peak hours and compromised pedestrian safety in some areas. There are also concerns for Friday, which is a working day, that public transportation will be insufficient to cater to the working masses. The event organizers and local authorities have tried their best to prepare a comprehensive pedestrian and traffic management plan for the benefit of those travelling in and around the roads used in the event, as well as encouraged people to use public transportation like the LRT and Monorail.

Photo from KL City Grand Prix Facebook page

KL roads with the steel barricades in preparation for the weekend race

The following maps show the traffic management plan for the duration of the race, obtained from the KL City Grand Prix website:

General Zone Restriction Map
KLCGP zone restriction map

After-Race Road Access Map
KLCGP after race access map

Pedestrian Access Map
KLCGP pedestrian map

Parking Area Map
KLCGP parking area map

For more information, including program schedules, ticket prices, race events, and other updates, you can visit the KL City Grand Prix official website or Facebook page.

*All photos were sourced from the KL City Grand Prix official website and Facebook page.