Motorists in Raleigh, North Carolina, should be prepared for significant traffic delays as the North Carolina State Fair coincides with the highly anticipated Billie Eilish concerts this week. The fair opens on Thursday and will continue through October 26, attracting large crowds and increasing congestion around key roads including Blue Ridge Road, Edwards Mill Road, Hillsborough Road, Wade Avenue, Trinity Road, and I-440.
Billie Eilish is scheduled to perform at the Lenovo Center on both Thursday and Friday nights, starting at 7 p.m. each evening. With the overlap of rush hour, fair-related activities, and concert traffic, officials are warning drivers to expect longer travel times. In response to the expected congestion, the Raleigh Police Department is now responsible for managing traffic around the Lenovo Center, taking over from the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
In a preemptive move to alleviate congestion, the Lenovo Center urged concertgoers to allow extra travel time and suggested carpooling or arriving early. Just days prior, many faced prolonged delays during a Chris Brown concert at Carter-Finley Stadium, where some concertgoers resorted to walking along I-40 after struggling to find parking.
The discussion about improving the transportation experience has gained traction, especially following the criticisms related to traffic management during large events. Kent Yelverton, the North Carolina State Fair Director, expressed concerns about scheduling concerts during the fair, noting that it compounds issues for attendees.
In a statement, Lenovo Center management acknowledged the challenges posed by overlapping major events, emphasizing their commitment to working with local authorities to enhance traffic management. They also highlighted the importance of hosting world-class entertainment, stating, “We try to strike a balance between managing traffic and congestion without turning away world-class tours that have a limited window to visit North Carolina.”
Local resident Melanie Brinson, a student at Meredith College, shared her concerns about the potential for traffic congestion, reflecting on her experience that it took her nearly two hours to navigate the area during the Chris Brown concert.
For those looking for alternatives to driving, NC By Train is offering a special stop at Gate 1 of the fair from October 17 to 26. Additionally, GoRaleigh shuttles will be running from Garner Station to the fair, providing express service every 30 minutes during operating hours, while a free express bus service from Durham will also operate, taking fairgoers directly to Gate 1.
With thoughtful planning and the use of available transport services, attendees can still enjoy the festivities without the stress of traffic. The collaboration between event organizers and law enforcement is a positive step toward enhancing the visitor experience at both the State Fair and concerts.