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For Immediate Release

June 20, 2016



ODOT, OUTLET MALL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKING TOGETHER ON TRAFFIC CONTROL

DELAWARE (June 20, 2016) – Drivers who use Interstate 71 in Delaware County should be on the lookout for “slow or stopped traffic” near the near the exit for Routes 36 and 37 beginning this Friday.

To prepare for the new Simon Tanger outlet mall opening in Delaware County, the Ohio Department of Transportation, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and mall representatives met recently to discuss traffic control on opening day and the first weekend.

“The safety of the motoring public is paramount to ODOT,” said Jack R. Marchbanks, District 6 Deputy Director. “In addition to partnering with local law enforcement, ODOT will utilize several resources including overhead electronic signs, traffic cameras, roadside message boards and social media to alert drivers of the congestion.”

Some of those message boards will be located in Franklin County before drivers reach the Polaris/Gemini exit, and to the north in Morrow County near Route 61so drivers can use an alternate route if traffic is backed up on I-71 in Delaware County.

Vehicles stopped on the highway while others are driving by at interstate speeds is extremely dangerous. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office shared with ODOT they will have deputies stationed at all of the ram

The mall expects 10 to 15,000 people during its first weekend.

“Coordination and communication is key to a safe weekend,” said Jack Marchbanks.

ODOT will also assign a State Farm Safety Patrol vehicle that normally patrols the Columbus area to I-71 in Delaware County for the opening weekend. The unit (pictured below) will patrol between Interstate 270 in Franklin County and Route 61 in Morrow County.

“That safety patrol vehicle will be an extra set of eyes and ears all weekend long for ODOT,” said Mitch Blackford, District 6 Highway Management Administrator. “The safety patrol vehicle can assist motorists who may run out of gas or need help changing a tire.”

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