SUNBURY, OH (WCMH) – Expect heavy traffic north of Polaris this weekend as the new Tanger Outlets in Sunbury celebrates its grand opening.
More than 10,000 people are expected to stop by the new mall during the first weekend.
Those traveling to the Outlet late morning ran into big traffic jams along I-71 despite improvements recently made to the 36/37 exit.
“It probably took me 20 to 25 minutes to get off at the exit,” said Tamara Harrison.
Some shoppers coming from a short distance away, Polaris, said it took them much longer than they anticipated.
“Two hours and 15 minutes from Polaris,” explained Brenda Smith.
Even though a brand new Wilson Road had been put in and dedicated to mall traffic only, grand opening festivities still added to the congestion.
“The roadway was put into alleviate some of the traffic problems that they’re going to have. It’s not going to alleviate 15,000 additional cars trying to park in the mall that is only able to hold 2000 cars parking,” explained Lt. Dave Butler, Delaware County Sheriff’s office.
The mall parking lot was full in the morning causing motorists to be redirected to over flow parking lots.
Some motorists had to park in the grassy areas lining the parking lots.
Stores opened at 9 a.m. and the official ribbon cutting happened at 10 a.m.
Free Ferris wheel rides, games, crafts and entertainment will be available all weekend as part of the Tanger Family Festival.
Retailers at the mall include the Nike Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, American Eagle Outfitters, Talbots Outlet, GAP Factory Store, and Loft Outlet.
The mall is located off I-71 in Sunbury, at 400 Wilson Road.
Heavy backups are expected on I-71 and US Route 36/State Route 37 through most of the weekend.
Deputies and Highway Patrol troopers will be out helping direct traffic to try and minimize any delays.
Alternate north/south routes to the area include S. Old State Road from Polaris Parkway to US 36/SR 37 east, Africa Road from Polaris Parkway to US 36/SR 37 east and State Route 3 from Maxtown Road to US 36/SR 37 west.
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