Your Guide To Sailfest Parking, Traffic & Road Closures

NEW LONDON, CT—Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut's premiere summertime eventattracting over 300,000 people over the three-day festival that includes Tall Ships, more than 100 vendors, entertainment, amusement rides, and a fireworks extravaganza.

The New London and Groton City police departments have reached out on social media to keep people updated on road closures, parking rules and likely traffic.

The NLPD wrote, "Welcome Sailfest 2019!" it its planning guide for festival-goers.

"In order to better plan and prepare for the associated festivities please reference the following roadway closings, parking, and traffic details."

As of 4 a.m. Saturday, parking enforcement was already in place. Police said vehicle owners parked illegally should expect parking tickets and vehicle towing in these locations:

1. Bank Street from Tilley Street to State Street
2. South Water Street, entire length
3. State Street from S. Water Street to Eugene O’Neill Drive
4. Atlantic Street, entire length
5. Bank Street Connector
6. Bank Street (Blinman Street to Woviotis Place)
7. Blinman Street from Bank Street to Brewer Street (both sides)

And as of 6 a.m., the streets were set to be, or already are, closed and the first three will stay closed overnight through Sunday.

1. State Street between Eugene O’Neill Drive and Bank Street

2. South Water Street (except as noted below)
3. Bank Street between Tilley Street and State Street
4. Eugene O’Neill Drive. between Gov. Winthrop Boulevard and Green Street (@ approx. 4 p.m. through 10 p.m.)
5. Bank Street –Northbound @ Howard Street (@ approx. 4 p.m. through 10:00 pm p.m.)

All About Traffic

Police said there will be two-way traffic on Water Street / South Water Street. Also Water Street between Atlantic Street and State Street and the entire length of South Water Street will be open to two-way traffic northbound and southbound. Alleyways will be blocked. There will be no parking on South Water Street. Access to South Water Street will be made via Atlantic Street to Water Street to South Water Street.

A control point will be established at the intersection of Water Street and Atlantic Street to control access to South Water Street. Traffic will be limited to:

- Fishers Island Ferry–employees & families and customers
(No permit required)
- Emergency Vehicles
- Vendors (setup only & re-supplies)
- Entertainers going rear of Dockside (pick up /drop off lot)
- Businesses / Residents on the east side of Bank Street.
- Vehicles that have parking passes to park in the private lots
off of South Water St.

Police say ingress and egress traffic to the ferry terminal area and South Water Street will be controlled by police officers and access to Bank Street at Tilley Street will be closed to all traffic except police, fire, and EMS personnel.

Police also note that "street closing times are estimates. Some streets may be closed earlier if pedestrian safety dictates."

Sunday, July 14 street closings are:
1. State Street between Eugene O’Neill Drive and Bank Street until festival ends
2. South Water Street until festival ends
3. Bank Street between Tilley and State Street closed until festival ends
4. 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. - Eugene O’Neill Drive will be closed from Masonic Street to State Street for the staging of the road race (5K Road Race: Fort Trumbull Loop )

Groton City Police have been sharing parking and traffic notes and updates since mid-week.