Bass Pro Shops expects large crowds for Sayreville grand opening
Police advise residents to expect delays and consider alternate routes Wednesday.
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More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the grand opening of the new Bass Pro Shops store in Sayreville on Wednesday, prompting local officials to prepare for significant traffic congestion near the site.
After years of planning, construction and roadway improvements, including new ramps, exits and entrances, town officials and police are preparing to put their traffic management plan into action.
Police said the store's parking lot can accommodate about 1,100 vehicles, but those spaces are expected to fill quickly. Residents traveling into Sayreville from the Garden State Parkway are being encouraged to avoid the immediate area around the store and instead enter town via Route 9.
Authorities said traffic delays are expected and warned that gridlock is possible during the event. However, officials said motorists who plan ahead should be able to navigate the area safely.
"For locals we are going to have officers at every intersection almost halfway through town," said Lt. James Novac of the Sayreville Police Department. "We are going to control every traffic light. We are going to ensure that traffic flows no matter what because it does get normally congestion. Wednesday is a holiday, we hope that helps alleviate that."
For visitors attending the grand opening, parking will be available at the store and at an auxiliary lot at Epic Church across the street. Free shuttle service will also be available from the South Amboy Ferry Terminal and Woodbridge Center through a partnership between the township and Bass Pro Shops.
Officials are urging motorists to allow extra travel time and be prepared for increased traffic throughout the area Wednesday evening.
