Welcome to the webpage for Project 0094-0267, Gold Star Memorial Bridge – Shared Use Path/Pedestrian Improvements, in the Cities of New London and Groton.
A Hybrid (in-person and virtual) public informational meeting for the project will be held on Monday, June 24 at 7pm.
The Public Meeting Notice can be viewed here: English / Spanish.
The purpose of this meeting is to provide the community an opportunity to learn about the proposed project and allow an open discussion of any views and comments concerning the proposed improvements. A Question and Answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation.
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a key connection between the two cities for pedestrians and cyclists across the Thames River. Currently, the only way to travel between cities by non-vehicular modes, is via a five-foot wide sidewalk adjacent to the right I-95 Southbound travel lane on the Gold Star Southbound bridge. This Shared Use Path (SUP) connection across the Thames River has been in regional and state plans for a long time, with the goal of improving the safety and accessibility of the non-motorized traveling public between New London and Groton. The project consists of widening the existing sidewalk on the Southbound Gold Star Bridge and east and west approaches to the bridge as well as adding a spur path that connects to Williams Street in New London and reconfiguring the Bridge Street intersection in Groton.
There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Temporary easements will be needed for construction access. No permanent right-of-way impacts are anticipated.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permits. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $55.5 million. This project is anticipated to be undertaken using 90 percent Federal funds and 10 percent State funds. The project is identified as State Project No. 0094-0267.
Please register for the virtual public information meeting at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zZzQ20r6TP2EJ-eWwOS-gQ
Registration is required to participate. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to access the meeting.
This meeting will also be hosted in-person in the New London City Hall Building, 181 State Street, New London, Connecticut. This meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube: portal.ct.gov/ctdotvpimarchive.
Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting. Please direct comments and questions by July 8, 2024 to:
- DOT.GoldStarBridgeProjects@ct.gov
- 860-594-2020
Closed captioning will be available. Non-English translation options will be available on Zoom and YouTube. The recording will also be available on CTDOT’s YouTube Virtual Public Information Meeting playlist: portal.ct.gov/ctdotvpimarchive.
Persons with limited internet access, use the call-in number 877-853-5257 and enter Meeting ID 852 7950 4911. Persons with limited internet access may also request that project information be mailed to them within one week by contacting Tracey Brais, Project Manager, at DOT.GoldStarBridgeProjects@ct.gov and 860-594-3171.
Persons with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS).
Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT’s Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.
Additional Information for the Public
After the meeting, we hope you’ll take a few extra minutes to fill out our brief survey.