SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Tens of thousands of people poured out of homes and offices Wednesday as the Olympic torch caused massive traffic delays in Sydney.

 The torch's progress through the suburbs of the Olympic city to the appropriately named Bedlam Bay Park caused traffic gridlock on many major roads.

 People waving Australian flags and clutching red, white, green and gold balloons blocked roadways as crowds gathered for up to two hours before the flame's arrival.

 Late Wednesday evening, the torch went to the top of the 1,036-foot Centrepoint Tower downtown.

 On Thursday, it will be carried past the Sydney Opera House to Sydney Town Hall.