If you are a local resident who’s tried to cross town anywhere in the vicinity of Playland Park on July 4th, you already know. Traffic is a complete nightmare and will routinely back up from Playland Park all the way up Playland Parkway to Exit 19 on Interstate 95. The City of Rye Police Department is working with other policing authorities, including the New York State Police, to take steps to alleviate the traffic.
The County offers bus service from the Rye Metro North stop. Authorities plead with people to arrive at the park early and for residents who live locally to walk. It doesn’t matter.
“We’re building off some of the changes that we tried to implement last year, and this year we’re hoping that it’s going to minimize the blockages on Milton, Midland, as well as cars getting off Playland Parkway, and going and parking illegally in areas around Playland,” Rye Public Safety Commissioner Mike Kopy told MyRye.com.
Kopy told MyRye.com that the police department is working with the New York State Police, the Thruway Authority, and Troop T so if Playland Park can’t handle the number of cars that are trying to enter, the police will divert people looking to come off to the Rye train station and have them take the county bus. Authorities are prepared to close Exit 19 on Interstate 95 and divert traffic to Exit 20 to the Boston Post Road and loop park-goers right to the train station to take a shuttle bus.
“Expect extensive delays trying to get to Playland,” said Kopy. “and there will be a heavier police presence in the area.”
