City officials warn of traffic congestion at weekend opening of Asheville Outlets

Asheville Outlets is opening this weekend, and city officials are warning motorists to be on the lookout for backed-up traffic along Interstate 26 at the Brevard Road exit.

Here’s the press release:

In anticipation of the Asheville Outlet Mall opening this weekend, the Asheville Police Department would like to make local residents aware of an increase in traffic around Exit 33 (191/Blue Ridge Parkway) off I-26. Local traffic is encouraged to use alternative routes in order to assist with traffic backup on I-26. When traveling through this area please except delays. Over 300,000 shoppers are predicted to visit the outlets this weekend.
Heavy traffic will likely begin on Thursday, April 30th at 4:30 p.m. and run through Sunday, May 3rd around 8:00 p.m. Peak traffic times on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are expected to be around 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:30-4:00 p.m.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) has been working in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to sync the lights from the top of the exit ramp to the outlet mall entrance. APD officers will be on-scene to assist in the flow of traffic if necessary. Please be aware of APD presence when traveling through the intersections.