Virgin Mobile FreeFest 2011: Expect traffic delays, says Howard police

With some 30,000 people anticipated to attend Virgin Mobile FreeFest, expect delays in traffic.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, drivers should expect traffic congestion and delays near Merriweather Post Pavilion and the Mall in Columbia because the festival, Howard County Police said today in an advisory. 

Doors to the amphitheatre open at 11 a.m. The first band goes on at noon. Deadmau5 is expected to finish his set at 11 p.m.

On Saturday, police will start directing traffic at 10 a.m. on Little Patuxent Parkway, Brokenland Parkway, the South Entrance road, and Hickory Rodge Road. Delays are also expected on U.S. 29.

Little Patuxent Parkway, from Brokenland Parkway to South Entrance road may be closed temporarily for traffic control, Howard police said.

Town Center businesses, like the Mall in Columbia and Toby's Dinner Theater, will be entirely accessible throughout the day.