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Uploaded: Thursday, November 8, 2012, 1:45 PM
Traffic congestion expected to continue at I-580, El Charro Road as Paragon Outlets celebrates opening
Delays of up to 40 minutes reported
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by Glenn Wohltmann
Pleasanton Weekly Staff
The opening of the Paragon Outlets in Livermore Thursday morning stalled traffic in both directions on Interstate 580. Drivers reported delays of up to 40 minutes approaching El Charro Road, the exit that accesses the new outlet mall.
The backup on Westbound I-580 stretched past Interstate 205,with eastbound delays that began at Hacienda Drive in Pleasanton.
Delays were expected, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Steve Creel, but not the numbers that have actually turned out.
"It's a matter of more people showing up than the capacity of the roadways," Creel said. There was larger demand at that exit than it was capable of handling."
At one point, westbound I-580 was backed up past Vasco Road and eastbound was backed up past the 580-860 interchange, he said.
Creel said the outlet owners worked with local police, CalTrans and other agencies in anticipation of backups, including placing electronic signs on I-580 more than a week ago.
The 130-store mall kicked off a four-day grand opening Thursday morning, featuring brands that include Armani, Burberry, Coach, Prada and Kate Spade.
The Tri-Valley area anticipates a big economic boost from the upscale outlet mall that will create up to 2,000 permanent jobs and hundreds more seasonal ones.
The $150 million, 543,000-square-foot center is the first outlet mall to open in California in 11 years and one of only five opening in the U.S. this year. It sits on former farmland where Livermore adjoins Pleasanton and Dublin.Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.
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Posted by jmorrise, a resident of Dublin, on Nov 8, 2012 at 4:03 pm guess the planners didn't really study traffic impact of this eyesore.
Thanks for the hour long delay on 580 as the lemmings bought their designer purses.
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Posted by Longtime Resident, a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm It took me an hour this afternoon to drive from Vasco to Santa Rita Road. Can you imagine how horrible it will be around Christmas?
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Posted by Claire M., a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 9, 2012 at 9:22 am I was returning from an appointment in Livermore and had heard about the backup on 580, so I tried to avoid it by taking Stanley; however, Stanley was also backed up because is was closed down to one lane in each direction for construction. Can't seem to win no matter what you try!
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Posted by R, a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 10, 2012 at 10:04 am Really, people? It is just stores! Are you buying "needs" or "wants" and are you in debt? How many of those shoppers are maxing out their credit cards for "stuff"? I don't care if is a $1,000 deal for $100...DO YOU REALLY NEED IT? I can afford it because I learned many years ago to say "NO!" To borrow a phrase: "Just say no!" Then watch your savings grow so when you really "need" something, you can afford it and still be debt-free. Learn to live not just within your means, but BELOW your means, and you will have a GREAT retirement!
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Posted by Someone, a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm How people spend their money us no ones business.. The issue here is what will the local authority do to ease the traffic..
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Posted by Ms. Bunny, a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 13, 2012 at 7:40 am Listening here to one and all and glad I followed my "gut" and decided to hold off for a week...I don't even know if I'll try THIS week after listening to these comments, maybe Monday next. I guess the draw because its the first super mall opening in California (all of California) in the past decade is part of the appeal. Humorous really...Frenzied shoppers always are. Guess that's why I shop more online the past decade. "R" is certainly right, if you want to enjoy and KNOW any retirement to come? Many of these people need to exercise some self-control. It's paid "dividends" for me!
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Posted by Jim Lillard, a resident of another community, on Nov 14, 2012 at 8:46 am I guess the planners of the new Paragon outlets gave absolutely NO planning for the traffic associated the outlets. One way in, one way out....and it's only going to get worse when the Senior Housing Project next door opens.
Nice move genius's.
In addition, valley residents have waited YEARS for traffic relief on 580. We finally got it with the 580 widening project. Now, we're right back to square one. Thanks again.
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Posted by Isabel Lau, a resident of San Ramon, on Nov 17, 2012 at 6:30 am I can only see this traffic problem continuing with the holidays upon us. Not a good thing for all those that commute on 580 for work.
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