Westport Pride Rainbow Lights Allegedly Vandalized Overnight; Many Missing or Damaged on Route 1 Bridge
Westport Pride Press ReleaseAt 8:00 AM, Brian McGunagle, founder of Westport Pride, while driving to work, noticed that the rainbow balloons placed on the bridge lights in celebration of Pride month had been removed.
Most of the lights on the northbound side of the bridge, a Westport landmark, had the colorful balloons torn off and several lights were damaged. The southbound side of the bridge appears intact.
McGunagle said, "Hate has no home in Westport, and Westport Pride will continue to pursue its mission of radical welcome in our community despite any acts of vandalism."
Via email, the Downtown Association committed to replacing the balloons today and every time going forward. The alleged crime comes just days after Westport Pride held its first Pride Rally on Jesup Green on June 5th with attendance nearing 500.
Sal Liccione, RTM District 9, which represents downtown, and Westport Police are at the scene currently investigating.
Norwalk Accident Nearly Cleared; Damage to Commute Already Done
After an early morning tractor trailer accident on I-95 southbound, before exit 16, the traffic on I-95 stretched nearly ten miles as crews worked quickly to clear the accident. The truck was finally removed just after 7:30 AM, however the damage to this morning’s commute was already done as all major roadways in town remain in gridlock as many head to work and school.
Westport Police Only Found 6 Seat Belt Violations during Click It or Ticket Campaign
Westport Police Department Press ReleaseAs previously announced, the Westport Police Department recently participated in the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Click it or Ticket Campaign. This enforcement and awareness campaign ran in the days leading up to the Memorial Day weekend.
Our department is very pleased with our individual results. Despite the significant increase in vehicular traffic on our roadways associated with holiday travelers, only six infractions were issued for safety restraint violations. These six citations issued show that seatbelt compliance is remarkably high within Westport.
Targeted seatbelt enforcement as well as informational campaigns which stress the importance of wearing a seatbelt are having a meaningful impact. The latest 2020 data shows that seatbelt use has risen to 90.3%, and unrestrained occupant deaths have dropped to 38.5% in 2019.
Despite these encouraging numbers, the goal of all the stakeholders in these campaigns continues to be 100% compliance. We will therefore continue to work collectively to achieve that number. Research has conclusively proven that wearing a safety belt has been instrumental in preventing serious injury or death in traffic collisions; potentially a life-or-death decision made every time you get behind the wheel.
UPDATE: Norwalk Truck Accident Brings I-95 Southbound to a Stop; Expect Delays as 2 Lanes Remain Closed
The heavily damaged truck remains blocking both lanes as emergency service crews work to remove it at 6:30 AM.
A 3:45 AM tractor trailer accident closed the right and center southbound lanes, and has brought the interstate to yet another stop in a 24-hour span riddled with accidents.
The accident took place 3/4 mile prior to exit 16, and caused the bumper to bumper back-ups from Norwalk through Fairfield.
The lanes were still closed as of 5:45 this morning, according to the DoT.
UPDATE: 7:30 AM
The truck was removed just after 7:30 this morning, with roadway cleanup now underway.
UPDATE: 8:15 AM
Accident scene declared cleared by Connecticut DoT