Roadwork Ahead—DOT Unveils Plans for Improvements to I-95 From Old Saybrook to East Lyme

By Jayne Keedle

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) is planning to do some major road work on I-95 from the Baldwin Bridge in Old Saybrook to the Rocky Neck Connector at Exit 72 in East Lyme. This is primarily a resurfacing and safety improvement project that will extend over 5.5 miles. 

Fortunately, the work isn't scheduled to begin until 2014, so the summer traffic isn't likely to be any worse than it is usually. Perhaps unfortunately, this project does not include the addition of any travel lanes or widening of I-95 (which would arguably ease the traffic congestion). 

The project includes milling and overlay of the entire project limits, installation of concrete median barrier curb, upgrading the existing guiderail and bridge safety related improvements.

The project improvements are similar in scope to an adjacent project on I-95, which was recently constructed from the Rocky Neck Connector to the New London/ Waterford town line. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2014 and be completed by Fall 2016. 

Estimated construction cost for this project is $26 million. The work is entirely state funded. The construction will be performed utilizing temporary lane closures during off-peak hours. Based on state highway boundary mapping, all of the proposed work is within the State Right-of-Way; therefore, no impacts to private property are anticipated. 

The Public Information Meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project. 

Representatives from the Department of Transportation will be available at 6:30 p.m. to answer any questions, with a formal presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. Residents, commuters, business owners, and other interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about and discuss the proposed work. 

Plans are available for review at the Town Clerk's Office in Old Lyme. Written questions or comments should be directed to Mr. Richard B. Armstrong, CT Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546, or at e-mail address Richard.armstrong@ct.gov.