Branson prepares for holiday shoppers

For the ninth year, the city is enacting the “Thanksgiving Traffic Solution,” a plan that puts police officers and Public Works employees throughout the city, directing traffic and answering questions.

From 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 27 police officers will direct traffic at nine of the busiest intersections in the city. Their posts will include: West Main and Seventh Street, West Main and Roark Valley Road, Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Roark Valley Road and Gretna Road, Gretna Road and Rosalee Street, West Main and Michael Street, Highway 76 and Highway 165, Green Mountain Drive and Highway 165, and Gretna Road and Wildwood Drive.

At least eight Public Works employees, dressed in orange vests, will work in different areas of the city from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Saturday. They will hand out city maps, answer questions and give directions.

Branson has three outlet shopping malls, a number of specialty stores and a growing downtown district with additional shopping opportunities.