Heavy traffic expected this weekend as thousands of fans travel to US Open
Officials say 20,000 people visited the tournament on Thursday.
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Thousands of people made their way to the U.S. Open Championship on the East End.
Officials said 20,000 people attended the event on Thursday. The United States Golf Association expects at least 25,000 on Friday.
Although traffic may not have slowed down too much on Thursday night, Friday is a holiday and this weekend will bring thousands more to the Hamptons.
“Once we got to Southampton area, there was definitely a lot more traffic, but I know it’s worth it,” said one visitor who drove three hours to get to the tournament from Connecticut.
Traffic can get pretty backed up as people make their way to the course.
Tom Palmeri is working the event and says the shuttle from the parking lot was the longest part of his commute from East Islip.
“It took two hours on the bus to go 11 miles. That’s pretty crazy…” Palmeri said. “If you’re coming any distance, I would recommend the train.”
As News 12 reported, a temporary train platform has been built at Shinnecock Hills. While the train seemed to be pretty smooth sailing for Long Islanders on Thursday, visitors coming from the city were fighting crowds headed to the Knicks parade.
Sal Piazzolla lives in Southampton and says the traffic was not an issue for him on Thursday
“I think as we get closer to the weekend, it’s going to get a little bit more busy for sure," Piazzolla said.
Despite potential traffic, he says this week is all about the excitement this event brings to the area.
“Just to see that joy and everybody having a good time brings us a smile to my face,” Piazzolla said.
