The University is proud to be playing a key part in the nation’s celebrations in the build-up to London 2012.
On Tuesday 22 May the Olympic Torch will begin the Bath leg of its journey on our campus.
This unique event recognises our contribution to sporting excellence, both in terms of performance and research, and the role we are playing in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.
Exams
All exams will go ahead as scheduled.
We will make every effort to keep noise to the normal exam period minimum. The silent study areas in the library will also be strictly enforced.
We will send further detailed guidance to everyone sitting exams at these times, and to staff involved in those assessments, in the week commencing 7 May 2012.
We are also planning to make some rooms available for study on campus and will confirm details soon.
Travel
As there will be road closures for the Torch relay in the afternoon, you are strongly advised to travel to campus before 12 noon.
Please check the following information when planning your journey.
Car and cycle
Throughout the road closures please keep traffic movement to a minimum to prevent unnecessary disruption.
- Norwood Avenue, Convocation Avenue, the bus terminal and the two parking bays to the east of East Car Park will be closed to all vehicles from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
- Claverton Road will be closed from 2:30pm to 4:00pm, with no access from Brassknocker Hill, Bathwick Hill or Widcombe Hill.
- Bathwick Hill will be closed from 3:30pm to 4:30pm.
- The South Car Parks will be closed while Norwood Avenue and Convocation Avenue are closed.
- A section of the East Car Park will remain open throughout the day, apart from 3pm to 3:30pm when the vehicles will be preparing for the procession.
- A diversion route staffed by security personnel will be available for some vehicles via the Quarry Road entrance, underdeck and North fire road.
Bus
First will operate a normal service to the top of Bathwick Hill, returning to town via North Road and Cleveland Walk. This service will operate until the road is closed at around 14:30. The service will then be suspended until the road reopens and normal service resumed.
Wessex Connect has yet to give alternative routes or schedules for the day.
Walking
There will be pedestrian access to campus throughout the day, just be aware that those roads on which the Torch will travel could attract a large number of spectators.
Spectating
If you live off campus, you are strongly advised to view the procession on Bathwick Hill or in the City Centre where access will be easier and you are more likely to get a good view.
If you are based on campus and not sitting exams, or involved in pre-scheduled academic studies or research activities, then please come and share this special event with us. To get the best view and ensure the smooth running of the event, please make your way to Convocation Avenue by 3:15pm.
The Torch convoy will arrive prior to 3:00pm and park up for preparation in East Car Park, which will be closed to unauthorised personnel during this period.
At 3:30pm the Torch procession will start from the junction outside the Sports Training Village and travel along Convocation Avenue and Norwood Avenue before turning right on to Claverton Down Road towards the city centre.
To afford the best view and ensure the smooth running of the event, please make your way to the sides of Convocation Avenue (as indicated in blue on the map) by 3:15pm.
To celebrate the Torch procession, the Department of Sports Development and Recreation are also organising an Ancient Olympia event on St John’s field with a range of cultural and sporting activities for local schoolchildren, from wrestling to chariot racing.
Further information
We will bring you more information as soon as we have it on the Olympic Torch relay student webpage and the Student Homepage.
Text of email sent on 10 May 2012 to all students sitting examinations at 1pm and 4:30pm on 22 May