Construction Starts On I-95 Project In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — Construction has begun in West Haven on a $136.5 million project which will replace two aging bridges and improve traffic flow on Interstate 95.

The bridges being replaced carry I-95 over 1st Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad train tracks, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The existing bridges are more than 70 years old. Their replacements are designed to have a minimum service life of 75 years, state officials said.

Workers will also extend 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 DOT anticipates the changes will help reduce congestion and improve highway safety.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the project is an investment in public safety and mobility, for West Haven and the region.

“Beyond improving infrastructure, it’s also creating good-paying jobs that support local families and strengthen Connecticut’s workforce,” he said.

About 100 workers will be involved in the project. Most of it, 90 percent, is funded with federal money, and 10 percent comes from state funds.

“Replacing these aging bridges and revamping the interchange will ease the daily commute for more than 142,000 drivers on I-95,” said Laoise King, DOT deputy commissioner.

Traffic on the highway is not expected to be disrupted for most of 2025. Workers initially will be focused on construction of the foundation for the new bridges on the ground level at 1st Avenue and at the railroad crossing underneath the highway, according to the state.

However, later in 2025, the northbound entrance ramp at Interchange 43 will close, with a detour routed through nearby state roads.

The project will be done in stages, and officials expect it to be finished in 2027. The DOT plans to keep three lanes of traffic open in each direction in the daytime.

The state has a special website on the project at i95westhaven.com, where anyone can get details on the project and subscribe to get updates via email.