These Unapologetic Roadblockers Are Taking Over a Busy New Bedford On-Ramp

If you use the Washburn Street on-ramp for Interstate 195 in New Bedford’s Near North End, chances are you’ve encountered the group of undocumented migrants that just stand in the middle of the road with no consideration for traffic.

As you pull up to the on-ramp, you are forced to slam on your brakes as they just lollygag about, staring at you as if you are the one in the wrong for disturbing them as they sift through the roadside garbage looking for a snack.

If you honk at them, they’ll honk right back. I’m talking, of course, about the gaggle of Canada geese that has taken over the area in front of Kyler’s Catch.

A Surprise Hold-Up at the Washburn Street On-Ramp

I first noticed these geese about a month ago, getting on the highway in the early-morning hours to head to WBSM for my morning air shift. They seemed totally unaffected by the motor vehicles speeding up around them on the approach to the highway.

Another time, they emerged out of the tall grass on Washburn Street, forcing vehicles in both directions to slam on their brakes while they just waddled over to the storage facility across the way.

Playing Bird-Brained Frogger on Belleville Avenue

Recently, they were just hanging out in the middle of Belleville Avenue at the corner of Belleville and Washburn, annoyed that cars were slowly trying to crawl past in either direction like a bird-brained version of Frogger. It’s enough to make you want to roll down the window and shout, “Take off, you hosers!”

Drive with Caution in New Bedford's Near North End

If you have encountered these invaders from the north, then you know that this article is actually tongue-in-bill – er, cheek – and these geese are actually pretty cool. They’re apparently quite intelligent and seem to adore the attention of motorists. If you haven’t yet seen them, let this serve as a heads-up that they’re in the area, and you should proceed through it with caution.