
Westport, located along Connecticut’s Gold Coast, has a mix of busy highways, local commuter roads, and pedestrian-heavy corridors. Unfortunately, this combination creates significant crash risks. Recent crash data and police reports identify I-95, U.S. Route 1, the Merritt Parkway, and Cross Highway as the most dangerous roads in Westport.
Major Routes with High Crash Rates
- Interstate 95 (I-95)
I-95 is the most dangerous roadway in Westport—and throughout Fairfield County. Between 2015 and 2018, it recorded over 1,300 crashes within town limits. High speeds, congestion, and frequent exits create a high risk of rear-end and merging collisions. - U.S. Route 1 (Post Road)
Post Road is one of the deadliest roads for pedestrians in Connecticut. In Westport, it consistently records a large number of accidents, especially around intersections, shopping centers, and heavily trafficked areas. - Merritt Parkway (Route 15)
The Merritt Parkway is another high-crash corridor in Westport. Between 2015 and 2018, it saw 841 crashes. Its narrow lanes, outdated design, and high traffic volume are key factors in its elevated crash rate. - Cross Highway
The stretch of Cross Highway between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane is one of the most dangerous local roads in Westport. Its proximity to schools and student foot traffic makes crashes here especially concerning for town officials.
Notorious Intersections and Areas
- Cross Highway at North Avenue and Bayberry Lane – A high-risk corridor near schools. In 2023, a crash with injuries was reported at Cross Highway and North Avenue.
- Post Road and Riverside Avenue – A frequent crash location.
- Other Post Road intersections – Intersections with Parker Harding Plaza, Imperial Avenue, and Compo Road are repeatedly cited for frequent accidents.
- Post Road and Bulkley Avenue (Southport border) – Another dangerous intersection highlighted as a problem area.
Factors Contributing to Accidents
- Congestion and speeding – High traffic volumes on I-95, Route 1, and Cross Highway significantly increase crash risks, particularly during peak hours.
- Pedestrian hazards – Post Road is especially dangerous for pedestrians due to high traffic volumes and inadequate walking infrastructure. Westport has recently secured grants to fund a Safety Action Plan to address these issues.
- Distracted driving – A growing concern for Westport police, who note that distraction contributes to many local crashes, even when not the most severe.
- Infrastructure issues – Poor sight lines, outdated designs, and inadequate pedestrian crossings make several intersections and local roads more dangerous.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Whether you’re traveling I-95, navigating Post Road, or driving near school zones on Cross Highway, Westport’s roads demand extra caution. Drivers should stay alert, reduce speeds, and be especially mindful of pedestrians and cyclists.
Protect Yourself
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Westport crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP are here to help protect your rights.
Call us today at (203) 438-7450 for a free consultation, or visit catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.
