Power Outage, Traffic Signal Woes Take Place Due to Vehicle Accident on Benedum Drive by Saltwell Exit
By Jeff Toquinto on September 03, 2026
A single-vehicle accident Thursday morning, today, Sept. 3, did not result in any injuries but did cause some headaches for motorists entering and exiting one area of Interstate 79.
According to Bridgeport Police Sergeant Scott Toothman, the vehicle in question went off the roadway and into a ditch. It struck a telephone/utility pole in that area, which was along Benedum Drive near the Saltwell off and on ramps to Interstate 79.
Toothman confirmed there were no injuries but also confirmed that due to the accident striking the pole and a truck striking the pole, law enforcement shut down the signal at the intersection to allow the vehicle to be towed from the scene.
Eventually, he said, Mon Power arrived on the scene to work on the pole. During that time, the traffic signal was not functioning, and power was out as repairs were made.
“The pole was right by the Mon Power substation,” said Toothman. “They were on the scene quickly.”
The issue led to the City of Bridgeport sending out a text Thursday advising motorists of the signal not working due to a power outage. They advised motorists to drive slowly through the area and exercise caution.
Toothman said there was considerable damage to the vehicle despite no one being injured. He said the damage was to the front passenger side of the vehicle. He added the driver was the only passenger in the vehicle.
The Bridgeport Fire Department also responded to the scene regarding the call that came into the Harrison-Taylor 911 at 8:09 a.m. The Bridgeport Police are overseeing the investigation.
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