Mebane Prepares For Tanger Grand Opening Traffic

Final preparations are being made at Tanger Outlets and the surrounding roads in Mebane.

According to a 2009 Department of Transportation count, 89,000 vehicles travel north and south per day on Interstate 85 at the Tanger site. On Mebane Oaks Road, 21,000 vehicles pass through just north of the interstate.

Mebane police plan to have eight off-duty officers working Mebane Oaks Road at the entrance to Tanger and the interstate ramps, according to Assistant Chief Allen Byrd.

He said congestion on I-85/40 is the biggest concern. The officers will work 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

"I think they're going to need the officers down there until everything settles down," Daniels said.

Trooper Greg Ingram of the NC Highway Patrol said he does not anticipate any major backups on the interstate opening weekend, though it's a situation troopers will watch.

If the area is congested, Highway 70 is the best way to avoid the area. It takes you through downtown Mebane. From the west, take exit 153 to Highway 119; follow that to downtown Mebane; pick up Highway 70; continue east; take a right on Buckhorn Road.

Byrd said improvements to Mebane Oaks Road have been done, including work to the medians and traffic light timing.

Tanger's developer spent about $1 million to widen the ramps from the interstate at Mebane Oaks Road and improve Arrowhead Boulevard, which is where Tanger is located.

Kathy Hackshaw, general manager of Tanger in Mebane, said a back entrance from the east is planned, but won't be ready until the spring.

SOURCE: WFMY NEWS2  Justin Quesinberry