Traffic Advisory Issued In Westport For July 4 Fireworks Celebration

WESTPORT, CT — Westport's annual PAL fireworks display is set for Wednesday, with a rain date of Thursday, and the Westport Police Department has issued a traffic advisory for the popular event.

The fireworks display at Compo Beach "is by far the largest annual Town of Westport event, featuring extremely heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic directly affecting all roads south of Greens Farms Road between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road, as well as the surrounding streets," officials said.

The department strongly recommends that spectators plan the timing of their trip to the beach anticipating the significant delays associated with entering, parking and finding seating.

"Daytime Compo Beach visitors are reminded that the beach will be closed to the public at 4:00pm on the date of the event," officials said. "At that time, only those vehicles with fireworks passes displayed on their rearview mirrors will be allowed to remain within the beach parking lot. All other vehicles will be ticketed and/or towed. The beach will then reopen to allow entry to ticket holders by no later than 5:00pm, however this determination will be made by Westport Parks and Recreation staff."

This year, parking restrictions in the neighborhoods surrounding Compo Beach will be strictly enforced to keep all roads clear for the heavy traffic associated with the event, according to the police department. No parking will be allowed on Compo Road South and on Hillspoint Road. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and towed away at the owner’s expense.

Please note that towed vehicles will be temporarily impounded and can be recovered at Lot F of the Longshore Club Park, located at 260 Compo Road South.

Pedestrians attending the fireworks are reminded not to walk on the roads and to use sidewalks when traveling to and from Compo Beach. It is recommended that pedestrians wear bright clothing, and it is asked that parents please keep an eye on small children. Fireworks crowds are always large and dense, making it easy to quickly become separated from children if not closely attended to.

From the traffic advisory announcement:

For ticket holders:

• Access to the PAL Fireworks display will be through South Compo Road only.
  
• Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic and will be accessible only to those with residences south of that intersection.
  
• Firework attendees should display their ticket prominently from the rearview mirror so it can be seen clearly when traveling to the event.
  
• All ticket holders must be inside Compo Beach prior to 9:00pm. No vehicular beach traffic will be allowed south of the Minuteman Statue after that time.
  
• Handicapped parking is available between the cannons and the pavilion. Please note that handicap spaces are very limited and will be provided on a first come first served basis.
  

• Vehicles without a ticket will not be able to reach Compo Beach and will be turned around at the Minuteman statue.
  
• Those utilizing Uber, Lyft, or Taxi services will be directed straight past the Minuteman Statue on Compo Road South. There, visitors can walk from the area of Compo Road South and Soundview Drive to the beach.
  

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you choose to use these methods of transportation, please be aware that return service will not be available/possible until 11:00pm or later due to one-way traffic exiting the beach area. (see below)

NOTICE FOR POST-FIREWORKS TRAFFIC:

Just prior to the conclusion of the fireworks display two-way traffic will be suspended on Compo Beach Road and South Compo Road to the intersection of Greens Farms Road. There will be two lanes of northbound traffic on these streets
until the beach is cleared of exiting vehicles. Residents of this area will encounter delays in getting to their homes for approximately one hour or until traffic has cleared from the Compo Beach area and should plan accordingly. Those planning on picking up family members in the beach area should also expect delays. Motorists are reminded there will be a significant amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the Compo Beach neighborhoods before and after the event and are asked to please exercise extreme caution while traveling through this area.

As always, members of the Westport Police Department, Fire Department, EMS and Parks and Recreation staff will be on hand to assist. We ask those who attend to please be patient and to obey the directions of traffic control personnel. Let’s all
do our part to make this a safe and enjoyable evening for all!