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

Jason Sandford April 30, 2015

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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8 Comments

Jenny May 1, 2015

I was on that road today at 3pm. Normal traffic. Saturday may be worse.

Reply
Sandy Bunker May 1, 2015

300,000 people ? What so they can grab 2nd’s and defective merchandise ?

Reply
murphy April 30, 2015

Did the “officials” predict the water main break…

Reply
luther blissett April 30, 2015

The Herb Festival’s at the WNC Farmers’ Market Fri-Sat-Sun as well, and it’s always a big draw, so that’s going to make Brevard Road traffic… interesting.

Reply
murphy April 30, 2015

Wonder how the “city officials” came up with the over 300,000 shoppers…

Reply
1. weavervilleman April 30, 2015
  
  LOL IKR? Well it will be a great weekend to be outside to shop.
  
  Reply
2. Harry April 30, 2015
  
  Isn’t 300,000 the attendance estimate of every Bele Chere festival according to the city? Sounds like a wild azz guess from a bunch of clueless idiots.
  
  Reply
  1. murphy May 1, 2015
    
    LOL…that was the number they always put out for estimated attendance for BC!
    
    Reply