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The new traffic patterns should relieve some of the traffic delays on northbound and southbound I-95 traveling through Norwalk, DOT said in a statement.
The new lane is designed to enhance traffic safety and ease congestion on the heavily used section of I-95. The new lane will allow drivers to more easily enter and exit the northbound highway between Exits 14 and 15. A similar lane will be completed on the southbound side in spring.
“This stretch of highway is particularly difficult during the morning and evening rush hours, and this work will make a real difference,” DOT Commissioner James Redeker said in a statement. “These improvements will benefit commuters, truckers, tourists and the regional economy. Connecticut’s economy depends on movement – and this project will help people and products move more safely and efficiently.”
The project provides 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 have an impact on safety.
“Anyone in Fairfield County can tell you how crowded and congested this stretch of Interstate 95 is - especially during rush hour,” state Sen. Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) said in a statement. “This project will help alleviate traffic, make our roads safer and improve the quality of life for the nearly 150,000 drivers who travel this stretch of road.”
The new lanes opened five months ahead of schedule.
Work continues on I-95 in the Norwalk area as part of a $42 million improvement project.
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 is 2,100 feet in length. The Exit 14 ramp to Route 1/Connecticut Avenue is also being reconfigured and improved, as well as its intersection with Route 1.
Three bridges carrying Taylor Avenue, Cedar Street and Fairfield Avenue, over I-95, are being rebuilt as part of the project.
For more information on the project, visit its website.
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