Officials Break Ground to Widen I-95 in Norwalk

Governor Dannel P. Malloy today joined State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Representative Larry Cafero (R-Norwalk) and other state and local officials in breaking ground for a $42 million highway improvement project designed to enhance traffic safety and ease congestion on I-95 in Norwalk.

"In the Autumn of 2010 Senator Duff and I stood here, in a traffic jam, to talk about this bottleneckpervasive gridlock that slows commerce, depresses travel, and is a constant annoyance and safety risk to commuters," said Malloy in a released statement. "Just over 18 months later, I am pleased to break ground on a project that will go a long way to alleviating congestion and improving the road conditions here in Norwalk."

The I-95 project will provide an additional lane in each direction between Exits 14 and 15, giving drivers space and time to adjust their speeds outside of the main traffic flow as they transition to or from the interchange ramps. The short distance between the ramps, combined with volume of 140,000 vehicles per day, results in frequent delays and can impact safety.

"For years I have fought for funding for additional lanes on this congested section of I-95 and it is gratifying to see this important project get under way," said State Senator Duff, who serves as vice chairman of the General Assemblys Transportation Committee. "I thank Governor Malloy for making good on his promise to fix the worst highway chokepoint in the I-95 corridor and I look forward to smoother, safer driving conditions for local residents and commuters alike."

Update 1:50 p.m.:

A news release from Gov. Dannel Malloy's office gave the following information on the project:

"The work is being done by O&G Industries of Torrington under contract to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) and is expected to create or sustain about 80 jobs. It will be completed during the first quarter of 2015.

"DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker said that the 2,300-foot southbound auxiliary lane will begin at the Route 7 (Exit 15) southbound on ramp to I-95 and extend to the Route 1 exit (Exit 14).  The northbound auxiliary lane will be approximately 2,100 feet in length.  The Exit 14 ramp to Route 1 (Connecticut Avenue) will be reconfigured and improved, as well as its intersection with Route 1."