The newest outlet mall in central Ohio is scheduled to open Friday.
That means just a few more days until Interstate 71 near U.S. 36 and 37 will see heavy traffic.
“We understand there's going to be traffic, we understand people wanting to get to this mall, but they're also going to have to have some patience,” Lt. Marcus Pirrone of the Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
An estimated 10,000 people are expected to show up for the opening of the Tanger Outlet in Sunbury.
The highway patrol said it will have troopers on the road and in the air making sure drivers arrive and leave the area safely.
“We expect it to be similar to be the day before Thanksgiving, the big travel day,” Lt. Pirrone said.
ODOT is still working to pave the off ramp to the mall.
“Work is scheduled for tonight [Tuesday] and through the rest of the week,” Mitch Blackford, ODOT Highway Management Administrator of District 6, said.
The one thing ODOT and the Highway patrol won't stand for are people who park on the side of the road, then jump the fence that lines the freeway to get into the mall.
To help ease traffic, Delaware County Sheriff's deputies will be controlling the traffic lights.
As for the mall, crews are still working to have the shops ready by the grand opening.
The mall said the project created 900 full and part time jobs.
The mall opens at 9 a.m. Friday. There is overflow parking at next door at AD Farrow Harley Davidson.
As for those commuters who are passing through, with no intention to shop, the highway patrol said now would be a good time to start thinking of an alternate route.
Possible alternate routes
- From 71 north take Exit 229 to 23
- Or From Polaris or 270 take 23 North exit
- From the East, take 270 to Route 3
You can keep up with the latest traffic information with Brittany Begley on 10TV News Morning and at 10tv.com/traffic.