Construction has begun on replacing two aging bridges over I-95 in West Haven, Conn. The $136.5 million project aims to improve traffic flow and safety, with completion expected by 2027. Funding is a mix of federal and state sources, creating jobs and enhancing infrastructure in the region.
CDOT photo
The bridge set to be replaced over 1st Avenue.
Gov. Ned Lamont announced in April that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) had begun construction on a major project along 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 I-95 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 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds. In addition, this enterprise has a labor force of approximately 100 workers, according to CTDOT, which noted that the construction is expected to be completed in phases by the end of 2027.
"This project is a long-term investment in public safety and mobility, not only for West Haven but for the entire region," Lamont said in a statement. "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."
CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King added that replacing the old bridges and improving the interchange "will ease the daily commute for more than 142,000 drivers on I-95. By tackling this now, we're avoiding future disruptions to highway and rail travel."
In her statement, King also expressed appreciation to Lamont, the Metro-North Railroad and CTDOT's federal and state partners for helping the state agency to make "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," said Connecticut's U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. "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."
Traffic Detours Not Expected Until End of 2025
For most of 2025, traffic along the Westport portion of the interstate is not expected to be disrupted as a result of the 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, CTDOT officials said.
Later this year, the northbound entrance ramp at the Exit 43 interchange will be temporarily shut down, 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.
"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," said Connecticut U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro. "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," added DeLauro. "I'm proud to have led the charge in securing this funding and delivering real results for our region's future."
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