 Bridge on I-95 in West Haven over the Metro-North Railroad train tracks. [Download image in high quality] |
(WEST HAVEN, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has begun construction on a major project on Interstate 95 in West Haven to replace two aging bridges and improve traffic flow in the area.
The bridges, which are each more than 70 years old, carry I-95 over 1st Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad train tracks. The new structures are designed to have a minimum service life of 75 years, significantly improving long-term safety and reliability.
In addition to replacing the bridges, the project includes extending the southbound lane from Exit 44 to create a continuous travel lane, which will ultimately serve as an exit-only lane for Exit 43. The goal of these improvements is to reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow, and improve safety in the region.
The $136.5 million project is funded by a mix of 90% federal funds and 10% state funds. This project has a labor force of approximately 100 workers. Construction is expected to be completed in phases by year-end 2027.
“This project is a long-term investment in public safety and mobility, not only for West Haven but for the entire region,” Governor Lamont said. “Beyond improving infrastructure, it’s also creating good-paying jobs that support local families and strengthen Connecticut’s workforce. Thank you to Connecticut Department of Transportation crews and contractors who are delivering on these critical projects across the state.”
“Replacing these aging bridges and revamping the interchange will ease the daily commute for more than 142,000 drivers on I-95,” CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King said. “By tackling this now, we’re avoiding future disruptions to highway and rail travel. Thanks to support from Governor Lamont, Metro-North Railroad, and our federal and state partners, we’re making significant progress modernizing Connecticut’s bridge infrastructure.”
“Over $122 million in federal funding will help replace two decaying, deteriorating and undersized bridges in West Haven, providing relief to the tens of thousands of commuters who drive across them every day,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “These projects reduce congestion, improve traffic flow on I-95, and most importantly, enhance commuter safety. I’ll continue fighting to deliver investments that make Connecticut’s roads more secure.”
“Replacing these 70-year-old bridges is long overdue, and I’m glad to see this project finally moving forward,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “This is a smart federal investment that will make I-95 safer, reduce commutes, and boost Connecticut’s economy, all while creating good-paying jobs in West Haven.”
“Today marks a major step forward not just for West Haven, but for every traveler who depends on I-95 to get to work, to school, or home to their families,” U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said. “These bridge replacements are more than concrete and steel – they are the result of years of hard work, advocacy, and persistent efforts that I’ve championed to bring critical federal resources back to our community. I fought for this investment because I believe in safer roads, smarter infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our residents. By widening and modernizing this vital interchange, we’re not only easing the daily burden of traffic, but we’re also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient transportation network that will support economic growth for generations. I’m proud to have led the charge in securing this funding and delivering real results for our region’s future.”
For most of 2025, traffic is not expected to be disrupted from this project because the initial work includes construction on the foundation for the new bridges on the ground level at 1st Avenue and at the railroad crossing underneath the highway.
Later in 2025, the northbound entrance ramp at Interchange 43 will close, with a detour routed through nearby state roads. The project will progress in stages through 2027, with three lanes of traffic maintained in each direction during daytime hours.
For detailed information on this project and to subscribe to construction updates via email, visit i95westhaven.com.
