Best to Avoid WestConn Area Next Week

Close to 1,000 new students are expected to move into Western Connecticut State University starting Monday, prompting officials to warn residents and commuters to avoid the area if possible.

The university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury, will be filled with parents and students as they participate in the “Entering the Gates” ceremony on Monday and then move into the dormitories. The White Street pedestrian crossing under the pedestrian bridge will also be used frequently by students moving their belongings into nearby housing.

On Monday, Aug. 25, traffic will be reduced to one lane between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Eighth Ave., adjacent to the university off White Street. Students and their parents will be using that lane to park vehicles to get their belongings into the residence halls.

Traffic may further be impacted at 1:30 p.m., when the “Entering the Gates” ceremony begins. Faculty, staff, alumni and new and returning students will take the ceremonial walk through the gates to signify the start of another school year.

The first day of classes will be Thursday, Aug. 28, and the area is expected to be congested with students as they park in the Midtown campus garages.

Area residents and motorists are asked to use extra caution in those areas during that week and, if possible, to avoid the area by taking alternate routes.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at 203-837-8486.