June 29, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Chief Erik Costa, 860-638-4100

PSA - Fireworks Boating Traffic July 1, 2023

-Prior to the start of the 2023 Middletown Fireworks Display this Saturday July 1st, The Middletown Police Marine Unit, along with other local Law Enforcement Marine Agencies will close north and south bound river traffic in the Middletown Harbor to all vessels at 2100 Hours. 

-ANY Vessel needing to travel through the safety zone after 2100 Hours will need to be escorted by law enforcement or an assigned escort vessel.

-ALL vessel traffic through the safety zone shall cease at 21:15 Hours 

-UPON COMPLETION of fireworks display the Connecticut River will briefly remain closed until the all clear has been given by the Middletown Fire Marshall.

-APPROXIMATELY 15 minutes after the show has ended, Law enforcement and Fire suppression vessels will establish a safe perimeter around the barge, and vessel traffic will be allowed to resume normal travel in the Connecticut River channel. 

-Docks at TATE’S (Harbor Park Restaurant) will remain open for vessel dockage, but vessels must remain docked through the river closure period. All vessels must be unoccupied from 2100Hours until the river is reopened.

It is strongly encouraged, that any vessels with a final destination north of the bridge stay on the north side of the safety zone, and vessels with a final destination south of the safety zone remain south of the safety zone in order to expedite your return. 

Note the rain date is Sunday July 2^nd with the same timelines.

Thank-you.