The Westport Local Press

View Original

CT United Ride Will Process Through Westport Saturday; “Delays are to be expected - please be mindful of those we lost 20 years ago” Says Police

On Saturday September 11, 2021, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States.  The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state. It is anticipated there will be a large turnout for the ride as the nation marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

The Selectman’s Office and Emergency Services have partnered with the CT United Ride to plan a new route that is as non-impactful as possible for an event of this size. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost 20 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.  

The motorcade starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. 

The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The procession will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs. 

Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer.  It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears.