Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation

Bridge Facts

Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge was open to traffic in 1943 and is Connecticut’s second largest bridge, second only to the southbound Gold Star Bridge. The northbound bridge includes 5 travel lanes, is 6,000 feet in length and has a deck area of 500,000 square feet. The highway carries traffic (~60,000 vehicles daily) over the Thames River, railroads, and local roads from New London to Groton. The Gold Star Bridge is unique in that its steel truss system is comprised of thousands of complex structural pieces, each piece vital to the strength and stability of this iconic structure.

Why Rehabilitate the Bridge?

Structural Deterioration

The current bridge deck is 55 years old and needs replacement. Replacing it will extend the bridge’s lifespan, ensure it meets today’s more rigorous strength standards and restore the load capacity for permit vehicles.

Bridge superstructure requires structural repairs to increase its load rating to meet current standards and extend the service life of the bridge.

Bridge substructures require preservation work to maintain a state of good repair and ensure it remains safe and reliable.

Permit Vehicle Access

The current bridge load capacity prevents permit vehicle crossings, causing a detour of approximately   miles to these road users.

What are the Planned Improvements?

• Strengthen and repair structural steel members in the girder spans

• Replace select bearings on the girder spans and select bearing on the truss spans

• Replace existing bridge deck joints

• Replace existing parapet and fence with MASH compliant 3-rail steel barrier and stainless-steel mesh fence