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Heavy traffic expected around YVR for first weekend of new Richmond outlet mall

Lineups are expected to be long at the new designer outlet mall near YVR airport this weekend. After a record-setting opening day on Thursday, the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet near the Vancouver Airport will likely attract more curious shoppers this weekend, leading to more traffic headaches.

On Thursday, the crush of shoppers created a traffic nightmare along Grant McConachie Way that left people trying to get to YVR stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Three flights were delayed from YVR because of the traffic jam.

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There were 40,000 visitors to the mall on Thursday, and officials were expecting up to 50,000 today.

But Stoney Biddle with Universal Flagging says that with a day to figure out the kinks in parking lot traffic, they’re better prepared – and a team of 35 attendants are in place this weekend to ensure easier navigation for mall visitors.

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That being said, officials suggest travellers flying out of YVR should use the Canada Line to get to the airport. Those driving to YVR should be sure to give themselves extra time.

Shoppers who plan on checking out the new mall are also encouraged to take public transit, as it is located next to the Canada Line’s Templeton Station.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet was designed as a luxury shopping destination and offers 376,000 square feet of retail space.

-with files from Yuliya Talmazan and Julia Foy

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