The purpose of this project is to increase structural capacity to allow permit vehicles (oversized vehicles) to travel over the bridge and to restore the bridge to a condition rating of “satisfactory”.
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 for these vehicles.
- 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
- Replace concrete approach slabs
- Repair concrete substructures
- Install new bridge lighting
- Replace overhead sign structures
- Full superstructure painting
Construction began in early 2026 and will be completed by Fall 2030.
Travel lanes on the Northbound bridge will be reduced to two lanes. A traffic cross-over will be implemented to share lanes on the current southbound bridge to help accommodate the northbound traffic flow from the reduced number of lanes on the northbound bridge.
The rehabilitation work will be completed in two main stages in an effort to minimize disruption to the traveling public.
- Stage 1 consists of work on the outer sections of the bridge deck.
- Stage 2 consists of work along the center section of the bridge deck.
The project limits include the entire 6,000-foot length of the bridge over the Thames River in New London and Groton.
Yes, there will be ramp closures and temporary, short-term local road closures.
Project ramp closures and detours will be communicated on our website as well as social media outlets.
The contract was awarded to MSR Gold Star Bridge Partners for $721,348,812.07 on October 3, 2025. Funding includes a $158.2 million grant from the Bridge Investment Project, with the remaining funds coming from a combination of federal and state sources.
Questions and/or concerns should be sent to DOT.GoldStarBridgeProjects@ct.gov.
Claims for damage and/or personal injuries which occurred within the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Northbound Rehabilitation Project Limits because of some action or inaction of the Project Team, can be submitted by sending written notice that includes the following information:
1. Claimant’s name, address, and telephone number
2. A description of the accident giving rise to the claim, and must include the date and time of the occurrence; the precise location within the Gold Star Memorial Bridge Northbound Rehabilitation Project limits (e.g., nearest highway entrance/exit ramp or other marker); and information that will help justify reason for claim, i.e., photos of damage, copy of police report, if available
3. A description of damage and/or personal injuries suffered.
Written notice should be directed to:
Connecticut Department of Transportation
Attn: Claims Unit
P.O. Box 317546
Newington, CT 06131-7546