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Ohio transportation officials are launching a coordinated traffic-management plan to handle the heavy Black Friday congestion expected around two of the region’s busiest shopping hubs, the Cincinnati Premium Outlets in Monroe and Kenwood Towne Centre, according to WLWT. This is all part of the Ohio Black Friday traffic plan.
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is partnering with Sycamore Township leaders, Monroe officials, and Kenwood Towne Centre management to prevent the gridlock seen during last year’s holiday rush.
In 2023, shoppers waited hours to find parking, and multiple crashes were recorded along I-71 as congestion surged through Montgomery Road and surrounding corridors. Their Ohio Black Friday traffic plan hopes to lessen such issues.
More support and traffic controls this year
This year, the state expects even heavier traffic volumes and is deploying additional resources.
WLWT reports that ODOT will retime signals at the I-71/Montgomery Road interchange and adjust nearby surface-street lights to maintain steady traffic flow. All these efforts align with the Ohio Black Friday traffic strategy.
Electronic message boards will warn drivers of backups, and law enforcement officers will be positioned at key choke points to direct cars and manage intersections.
In Monroe, where the Cincinnati Premium Outlets routinely draw thousands of shoppers before sunrise, ODOT says it will place traffic barrels along the I-75 northbound off-ramp. The barrels will separate left-turn and right-turn lanes onto State Route 63 to reduce bottlenecks at the entrance to the shopping complex.
Officials plan to share more details during a 10:30 a.m. briefing, with updates expected later in the day. They warn shoppers to prepare for delays despite enhanced measures.
Highway Patrol increasing enforcement
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is also preparing for elevated enforcement. Troopers typically increase patrols along major interstates, focusing on speeding, impaired driving, distracted driving, crash response, and lane management, which was in their 2021 Highway Safety Plan. These measures are part of their Black Friday traffic operations.
OSHP reports that Black Friday weekend regularly produces some of the year’s highest travel-related incidents, prompting them to add manpower and reduce response times throughout southwestern Ohio.
Weather
The weather forecast from the Weather Channel reveals that there will be generally sunny weather despite a few afternoon clouds on Friday. High 34°F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph, while nighttime will observe a partly cloudy condition followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 20F. Winds light and variable.
Alternate routes for drivers
To reduce delays, ODOT recommends avoiding the most congested exits during peak shopping hours.
For Kenwood Towne Centre
- Consider using I-275 to bypass Montgomery Road
- Enter via Galbraith Road instead of Montgomery during peak hours
- Avoid the I-71 northbound exit between 8 a.m. and noon, as part of Ohio’s Black Friday traffic plan
For Monroe Outlets
- Use the SR-63 entrance from the east when possible
- Avoid the I-75 exit during mid-morning surges
- Expect heavier traffic from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Metro buses servicing the Kenwood area expect minor delays due to congestion, but remain an option for those who want to avoid parking completely. Rideshare companies are also planning designated pickup and drop-off zones to prevent backups at main mall entrances, contributing to the traffic plan.
Stores closing on Thanksgiving Day
Before Black Friday begins, major retailers are reminding shoppers they will remain closed on Thanksgiving Day:
- Costco
- Target
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Best Buy
- Kohl’s
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Lowe’s
- Barnes & Noble
- IKEA
- JCPenney
- Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Sierra, Homesense (TJX brands)
Most will reopen early Friday morning with extended doorbuster hours.
Safety reminders for shoppers
Authorities are urging drivers and shoppers to stay alert:
- Watch for pedestrians in crowded lots
- Park in well-lit sections
- Avoid leaving purchases visible in vehicles
- Lock car doors, even during quick stops
- Be patient with slow-moving traffic
Police say simple precautions can prevent thefts, accidents, and delays, which is an integral part of the Ohio Black Friday traffic management.
What Ohio shoppers should do
- Plan early: Allow extra travel time and expect long waits near Monroe and Kenwood.
- Arrive before sunrise: The best deals and the best parking are offered during early hours.
- Split your shopping: Use in-store visits for doorbusters, and shop online for supplemental deals.
- Use traffic apps: Tools like OHGO, ODOT cameras, and WLWT’s traffic center provide real-time updates following the Ohio Black Friday traffic setup.
- Be patient: Even with improvements, traffic will remain heavy throughout the day.
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