The multi-year effort aims to modernize aging infrastructure, ease traffic congestion, and improve safety for more than 140,000 daily drivers.

Connecticut has officially broken ground on a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving one of the busiest stretches of Interstate 95. On April 17, construction began on a $136.5 million project in West Haven to replace two deteriorating bridges that date back over 70 years, according to a statement from Governor Ned Lamont’s office.

The aging structures currently carry I-95 over 1st Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad tracks, and their replacement has been a priority for state transportation officials concerned about safety, efficiency, and the long-term viability of Connecticut’s roadways.

According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the project is being delivered using a design-build method, with The Middlesex Corp., a contractor based in Littleton, Massachusetts, leading the construction, and New York City-based engineering firm H&H providing the design services.

Beyond simply replacing aging infrastructure, the project serves several long-term goals: reducing traffic congestion, enhancing roadway and rail safety, increasing stormwater drainage capacity, and minimizing the future costs of bridge maintenance. The new spans are being designed with a minimum service life of 75 years, ensuring resilience and dependability well into the next century.

“Replacing these aging bridges and revamping the interchange will ease the daily commute for more than 142,000 drivers on I-95,” Connecticut DOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King said in the release. “By tackling this now, we’re avoiding future disruptions to highway and rail travel.”

The project also includes several roadway improvements meant to streamline traffic flow. A major feature involves extending the southbound lane from Exit 44 to create a continuous travel lane that will function as an exit-only lane for Exit 43. In addition, the plan includes upgrades to shoulders, traffic signals, lighting, and drainage systems.

Work on the bridges is expected to be completed in multiple phases, with final delivery scheduled for late 2027. The project will support roughly 100 construction jobs throughout its lifecycle, according to the state’s release.

Funding for the project comes from a combination of federal and state sources, with the federal government covering 90% of the total cost and Connecticut contributing the remaining 10%.

The importance of infrastructure renewal projects like this one has been underscored by national data. The American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2025 Report Card found that of the nation’s 623,000 bridges, nearly half — 49.1% — are in "fair" condition and 6.8% are rated "poor." As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, experts warn that proactive asset management, modernization, and resilience planning are crucial.

By initiating this high-impact bridge replacement now, Connecticut officials are aiming to avoid greater disruptions and higher costs down the line while ensuring safer, smoother commutes for future generations.

Originally reported by Julie Strupp in Construction Dive.