'Do Not Bother': Police Chief Tells Shoppers To Avoid Wrentham Outlets

WRENTHAM, MA — A crush of Black Friday bargain hunters and resident-only road restrictions in a neighboring town made for so much gridlock approaching the Wrentham Outlets that the police chief in that town told those considering a trip to the stores: "Do not bother."

Wrentham Police Chief Bill McGrath posted the friendly warning at about 5 p.m. on Friday after alerting visitors to delays throughout the day.

"Stop!" McGrath posted on social media. "If you are trying to drive to the Wrentham Outlets, do not bother. They will be closed before you can get through traffic. Waits exceed three hours. (Route) 495 and surrounding roads are jammed.

"Try another day."

Adding to the increased gridlock was Plainville's decision to make 10 streets in the neighboring town "resident-only" for the day. Those who live on one of the 10 streets were able to get a placard to put in their vehicles to let the police know to let them pass. But any out-of-towners looking to cut through the neighborhoods were turned away.

The Plainville traffic restrictions were set to go through the entire Thanksgiving weekend.

"The Plainville Police have received several traffic-related complaints due to holiday shopping at the Wrentham Outlet Shopping," Plainville police posted on their social media Friday afternoon. "If you plan on visiting the Outlets, we kindly ask for your patience and advise you to anticipate delays of 45 minutes to an hour.

"Traffic has been backed up almost to the center of town for the past hour or so. Avoid the area if possible."