Lane Closures Planned in Hiawassee for Half Marathon and 5K Saturday

Motorists traveling through Hiawassee should expect traffic changes Saturday morning as portions of U.S. Route 76 and Georgia State Route 288 will have lane closures for the Hiawassee Half Marathon and 5K.

According to event organizers, one lane of SR 288 and US 76 will be closed during the race. Traffic cone placement will begin at 6 a.m., with official lane closures starting at 7 a.m. Roads will reopen on a rolling basis as runners clear the course, with all lanes expected to reopen by approximately 12:30 p.m.

SR 288, also known locally as Sunnyside Road, will operate as a one-way eastbound route for motorists during the event. Portions of US 76 will also see changes, including the closure of the eastbound right lane and eastbound traffic shifting into the center lane in some areas.

Several access points and roads along the course will also be temporarily closed, including areas around Lake Chatuge and downtown Hiawassee.

Closures include:

• The west entrance to the pickleball complex from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• The entrance to the Lake Chatuge Recreation Area from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

• West Bell Street from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Roads around the town square from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• The entrance to Mayor’s Park and the boat ramp from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Race organizers say runners will follow a route circling portions of Lake Chatuge and surrounding roads, with signage and traffic personnel directing vehicles along the modified traffic pattern.

Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time Saturday morning and use caution when traveling near the race route as participants and volunteers will be present along the roadway.