Crime & Safety

Milford Police Brace for 'Tremendous Increase' in Traffic on Black Friday [Poll]

The department identifies key intersections and will deploy officers to keep traffic moving.

A flood of shoppers in search of Black Friday deals may be a retailer's dream, but it can be a traffic nightmare.

To prevent the latter, the  is hoping a little upfront education will help lessen traffic congestion -- and aggravation -- in front of the Westfield Connecticut Post Mall this Friday.

The department has designated two locations near the mall as "do not block intersections." Officers wearing bright yellow vests will be positioned where Boston Post Road meets Cedarhurst Lane and East Town Road to make sure vehicles are not blocking those intersections.

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Milford Police Spokeman Jeff Nielsen said the effort, now in its second year, will help traffic flow and ensure greater public safety should an emergency arise.

"By keeping these intersections clear, the traffic flow will significantly improve for everyone traveling on the roadways throughout the year and especially during peak shopping times," he said. "Blocking intersections has a negative impact on an emergency vehicle’s response to an accident scene or a crime in progress."

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Not only will keeping those intersections clear help flow, it will prevent motorists from getting a $117 fine.

While Nielsen said he understands it may be human nature for people to be in a rush around the holidays as they hunt for the best deals, he urged motorists to be extra vigilant and patient.

Look ahead to see if the next light is red and if cars are beginning to pile up into an intersection, he suggested. If so, wait at the white line and proceed when it's clear. Officers on scene Friday -- and on weekends through the holiday season -- will make sure motorists are doing this.

Where Are We Talking About?

The  is located in Milford off exit 39B on I-95. It's home to more than 130 stores, including  and , a Rave Motion Pictures theater and more than two dozen dining options. There are two entrances on the Post Road and three on East Town Road. When you're leaving the mall, Westfield advises:

Customers wishing to access I-95 upon exit may do so by turning right onto East Town Road and left onto Old Gate Lane. The I-95N on-ramp is straight ahead. Turn left on Woodmont Road for I-95S & Route 1.

The mall will likely only be one of shoppers' destinations on this stretch of Route 1 in Milford on Friday. The commercial district is home to many big box retailers, including a . And just up the street, through nine traffic lights, one will come to Orange, which also has its fair share of national retailers.

Nielsen said Walmart and Target have hired police officers to help with crowd control on Black Friday.


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