Security workers errect a security barrier in downtown Toronto. Police expect extensive delays for travelers heading to and from Toronto this weekend. (Prasanna Rajagopolan/CBC News)

The G20 travel delays, security barriers and intense police presence is prompting many Toronto residents to get out of town this weekend.

But with all the road closures and security in place for this weekend's summit, it will take more than a bit of planning to ensure a smooth escape route.

Toronto Police Sgt. Tim Burrows said that as world leaders start arriving on Friday, highways to and from the airport will be closed intermittently to accommodate as many as 75 motorcades.

"We are not using the term 'leave a little extra time,'" said Burrows. "We're saying use lots of extra time ... this is going to have a significant traffic impact."

Expect airport delays

Getting a flight may not be easy either. Burrows said with world leaders landing at Toronto's Pearson airport, flight delays and cancellations are inevitable.

"Contact your airline carrier to see what kind delays they are expecting," he said.

And for passengers planning to travel by train, Via Rail won't be stopping at Union Station starting Thursday through to Sunday. Instead, passengers going to and from Toronto will have to use suburban stations in Oakville, Brampton and Oshawa. Via has posted a travel advisory about its adjusted schedule on its website.

For Toronto residents planning to stay in the city, Burrows does not recommend taking a trip downtown this weekend just to see what's going on.

"Don't come in to the downtown core if it's just to do a sightseeing adventure," he said.

He said if Toronto residents want to know what's going on at the G20 summit site, they should stay home and tune in to the news.