DEDHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the Karen Read retrial now over, Dedham locals are breathing a sigh of relief as the massive influx of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Karen Read subsides.

One local talked about how he was ready for a sense of normalcy now that the trial is over.

“A little hectic with the helicopters going around every day, and yeah, the traffic was backed up for miles every day,” he said. “I just hope it goes back to normal now, quiets down, you know? A lot going on, so we don’t need that.”

Another individual said she was most excited about the traffic finally clearing up.

“I’m glad that traffic patterns will go back to normal,” she said. “It took my husband 45 minutes to get 2 miles earlier this week, so I think that’ll be good.”

Some residents found some bright spots within the hecticness. One man, while still happy the trial is over, felt that the crowd situation was handled the best it could’ve been and didn’t affect him too much, even as a local.

“Because of Dedham Police, the State Police, and the DPW here, everything was handled beautifully, really didn’t bother me at all, and I live very close to the courthouse,” he said. “We are sort of glad that it’s over, we were beginning to get a bit fatigued. It was like a good beach read, and I’m glad it came out like it did.”

One woman found a silver lining in the positive economic impact the trial created.

“It’s just been very busy, I’m glad for the businesses and the lunches that are ordered and the thriving economy that has been happening because of the trial, but the overall amount of people in this small area, it’s very congested,” she said.

The morning after Karen Read was found not guilty was a stark contrast from the day before- Dedham streets full of nothing but pink confetti and the occasional dog walker. Residents say they’re ready to begin the next chapter, one with more peace and quiet than in the trial days.

You can read more regarding the verdict of the trial here.

WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.

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