Drivers along one of Connecticut’s busiest highways should get ready for a major shift in how traffic moves, especially if you travel between New London and Groton.
A new traffic pattern is set to begin on Interstate 95 over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge as part of a large-scale rehabilitation project, according to CT Insider report on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge traffic changes.
The changes are tied to a $900 million overhaul of the northbound bridge, which carries about 60,000 vehicles a day across the Thames River.
The project is mostly federally funded and is expected to wrap up by the end of 2030, according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
What’s changing for drivers
The biggest change will be a traffic crossover that shifts some northbound drivers onto the southbound bridge.
Here’s how it will work:
- Two northbound lanes will move onto the southbound bridge
- The southbound side will drop from five lanes to three
- A steel barrier will separate northbound and southbound traffic
- Two lanes will remain open on the northbound bridge
That means northbound traffic will still have four total lanes, just split across both bridges.
The new setup is scheduled to start around May 30, after a brief delay to avoid heavy Memorial Day travel.
What drivers should expect
The goal is to keep traffic moving while construction crews repair and upgrade the aging bridge, CT Insider reports. The current deck is more than 50 years old and due for major improvements.
The project includes:
- Structural steel and concrete repairs
- Replacement of bridge bearings and slabs
- A brand-new bridge deck
- Upgraded barriers and fencing
- New lighting and overhead sign structures
- Full repainting of the bridge
Officials say the work will bring the bridge up to modern standards and extend its lifespan.
To help drivers adjust, signs will begin appearing about 2.5 miles before the bridge, guiding people through lane closures and route options depending on where they’re headed.
Drivers heading to certain exits, like Route 184, may be directed to use the crossover, while others can stay on the northbound bridge. The crossover is optional and drivers will still have multiple ways to reach their destinations.
Slower speeds and expected delays
With traffic shifting and construction underway, drivers will also need to slow down. The speed limit on both bridges will drop to 45 mph during this phase of work.
Local officials say the changes won’t be seamless. According to Groton Mayor Jill Rusk, the new traffic pattern will have real impacts on daily commuters and travelers, and people should plan ahead and expect delays.
Why this project matters
Beyond the temporary inconvenience, transportation officials say the work will have long-term benefits. Once the project is complete, it will remove current restrictions on oversized vehicles, which now have to take a roughly 17-mile detour to cross the river.
In the end, the goal is a safer, more reliable bridge that can handle heavy traffic for decades to come. But in the short term, drivers along I-95 should expect a different commute and give themselves extra time to get where they’re going.
Sources: CT Insider
