Parts of Roads to be Closed for Race

Selectmen unanimously agreed tonight to close portions of Brigham Hill Road and Hudson Avenue the morning of May 5 to accommodate the Grafton Gazebo Road Race.

Recreation Director Betty Wright requested the closing because of concerns about traffic in previous years. “Last year was the worst in terms of traffic,’’ she said.

Drivers, including those heading to soccer games at the Lions Club property on Brigham Hill Road, often disregarded requests to slow down, Wright said. Even volunteers with vests were ignored by some drivers, she said.

Selectmen backed her request to close Brigham Hill Road from Providence Road to Crosby Street and Hudson Avenue from Brigham Hill Road to Millbury Street.

These roads would be closed from 9:45 to 11 a.m. or until the last runner passes through. More than 200 runners participated last year, Wright said.

The road race begins at 9:30 at the and ends at the . Registrations are now being accepted.

A fun run for youngsters will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the track of . Registrations are now being accepted.

Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau Jr. supported  the plan, Wright said.