Connecticut DOT delays I-95 Gold Star Bridge crossover until end of May
Connecticut transportation officials are delaying a major traffic shift on I-95 at the Gold Star Bridge.
The planned crossover in New London is now scheduled for May 30.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation said the change, originally scheduled for this weekend, is being postponed to “minimize disruptions” during the busy Memorial Day travel period.
“Work is continuing in preparation for the traffic crossover,” CTDOT said. “That includes milling and paving the two crossover lanes.”
Last month, southbound traffic on the bridge between Groton and New London went from five lanes to three, and that reduction is expected to remain in place until 2030.
On Friday, CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto told NBC Connecticut that the transition should be manageable for drivers.
“We don’t think the impact is going to be too significant. There’s definitely capacity on the bridge to be able to handle that crossover when we go forward,” Eucalitto said.
The commissioner said there will be an adjustment period for drivers to get used to the new traffic pattern, and urged drivers to slow down when it takes effect.
“It’s going to take a little bit of getting used to, especially if you drive it every single day.”
The shift is part of a four-year, $900 million rehabilitation project on the northbound Gold Star Bridge.
Project officials said the crossover plan was the only realistic way to keep traffic moving and maintain safety without shutting the bridge down.
Watch this video from CTDOT on how the crossover works and what suggested bridge to take depending on where you’re going:
The scope of the work is extensive. The effort includes replacing 500,000 square feet of bridge deck and repairing 2.5 million square feet of steel. The project is expected to take more than four years.
Robert Obey, resident engineer for the project with CTDOT’s contractor GM2 Associates, said the goal is to restore the bridge without changing the experience for drivers once the work is complete.
“If we do our job right, the bridge is exactly like it was before. And for many people, that’s exactly what they want,” Obey said.
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