Singaporeans are advised to 'go public' during the Grand Prix season in September.

At a media briefing held today, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) reminded Singaporeans to expect extensive road closures in the Marina Bay and City Hall areas during the week leading up to, and after the race on September 28.

Road closures will begin as early as September 20, when final preparations for the race will take place. All roads are expected to re-open by 2 October.

Special access passes will be handed out to those who have to drive to the affected areas, such as hotel guests and employees with season parking lots in the surrounding office buildings.

All others are 'strongly urged to take public transport', said LTA's Chief Executive Mr Yam Ah Mee.

While bus services will be diverted when the roads are closed, all existing underpasses like CityLink mall will remain open for those walking from City Hall MRT station to Suntec City or Marina Square.

The LTA will also provide shuttle buses from City Hall and Bugis MRT stations to Suntec City for those who do not wish to walk.

ROAD CLOSURES IN 3 PHASES

While most of the race preparation will be completed before September, the series of road closures in the Marina Centre area will start from September 20 to 28, and will re-open on October 2.

The closures will be implemented in three phases - pre-race (Sept 20 to 26), during the race weekend (Sept 26 to 29) and post-race (Sept 29 to Oct 2).

Road diversions and closures will be effected as late as possible to minimise inconveniences to road users.

Key thoroughfares, Nicoll Highway, in the direction of the Central Business District, and Republic Boulevard will be opened to facilitate traffic flow into the city during the morning peak hours. Roads in the Marina Centre are expected to be fully re-opened by 5am on 2 October.