Cabarrus Today

Enhancements to travel infrastructure in Cabarrus County have been marked by the opening of a new flyover bridge at Concord Mills. The bridge, which opened before Black Friday, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders and representatives from various organizations, including the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), Concord Mills, the City of Concord, and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

"This is an important enhancement to Cabarrus County’s infrastructure," stated Donna Carpenter, President and CEO of Cabarrus County CVB. She expressed gratitude to the CVB's previous Board of Directors for initiating a study that addressed issues affecting both visitors and locals. Carpenter emphasized the organization's commitment to ongoing community improvements.

The flyover bridge is expected to benefit both visitors and residents who use Concord Mills Boulevard frequently. Mayor Bill Dusch of Concord remarked, "The new flyover bridge is a welcome improvement that will ease congestion for residents and visitors coming to Concord for premier shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences." He highlighted the city's growth and its focus on enhancing infrastructure through collaboration with state and local partners.

Concord Mills stands as North Carolina’s largest outlet and value retail shopping center, drawing guests throughout the year. James Ross, General Manager of Concord Mills, expressed enthusiasm about the bridge's addition: "We are confident this enhancement will improve the experience of shoppers and visitors who frequent Concord Mills."

The Cabarrus County CVB plays a significant role in destination management through strategic planning aimed at developing Cabarrus County as a top travel destination. Owen Parker, Chair of the Cabarrus County CVB Board of Directors, commented on their long-term planning efforts: "From awareness to workforce development, several strategic initiatives guide our efforts."

In 2020, tourism contributed $287.5 million in visitor spending within Cabarrus County. Further information on tourism's economic impact can be found in “The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties,” prepared by Tourism Economics for Visit North Carolina.