Gold Star Memorial Bridge, Connecticut Department of Transportation


Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge
Rehabilitation Project

Project 0094-0261 includes the rehabilitation of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge carrying Interstate 95 Northbound over the Thames River, New England Central Railroad, Providence and Worcester Railroad and local roads in New London and Groton.

Project Notifications

TRAFFIC SHIFT SCHEDULED FOR I-95 NORTHBOUND

Please be advised that a new traffic pattern on I-95 northbound will be implemented beginning Friday, August 28, 2026, between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. As part of ongoing construction activities, northbound traffic will be shifted into two travel lanes located in the center of the highway. Construction work areas will be located both on the left and right sides of the northbound travel lanes.

The new traffic pattern is expected to remain in place for approximately two years to accommodate the next phase of construction.

Drivers are urged to slow down, remain alert, obey posted speed limits and signs, and use caution when traveling through the work zone.

CROSSOVER IS NOW IN EFFECT

Please be advised that the I-95 northbound crossover was implemented the evening of Saturday, May 30, 2026. The project is now in its "permanent" condition for the next four (4) years. Only two (2) lanes of traffic will be allowed on the northbound bridge. All other northbound traffic will be required to use the crossover onto the southbound bridge to travel in the northbound direction. A crossover is a temporary traffic setup that shifts vehicles from their normal side of the roadway to the opposite side so traffic can continue moving safely while construction is going on.  

INTERMITTENT LANE CLOSURES ON I-95 NORTHBOUND / SOUTHBOUND

Please be advised that there will be intermittent left/right lane closures (alternately) on I-95 northbound and southbound in New London within the project limits on Gold Star Memorial Bridge. These closures will be in effect Monday - Friday during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and follow posted signage. Work on the southbound bridge has begun and will continue between the nighttime hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 

 

Find the latest alerts and project notices here.

CLICK HERE FOR PROJECT VIDEOS SHOWCASING DETOUR ROUTES.

 


Check out our YouTube channel featuring project videos and updates, with an aerial view of the highway and bridge

Informational Project Videos

Check out our YouTube channel for a series of informational videos related to the project. These videos will highlight the purpose and need, how the crossover will impact motorists, and provide detailed detour overviews to help drivers navigate the corridor safely and efficiently during construction.

CLICK TO VIEW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
I-95 bridge construction staging diagram. Northbound bridge work occurs in two stages: Stage 1 on the outer sections and Stage 2 along the center. During construction, the I-95 southbound bridge carries both northbound and southbound traffic

The northbound bridge rehabilitation will be completed in two main stages to maintain the flow of traffic.



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
  • Replace concrete approach slabs
  • Repair concrete substructures
  • Install new bridge lighting
  • Replace overhead sign structures
  • Full superstructure painting

About the project

The Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a critical transportation link carrying I-95 traffic over the Thames River between New London and Groton.

Originally opened in 1943, this iconic structure supports more than 60,000 vehicles each day and plays a vital role in regional mobility and commerce. The Northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge Rehabilitation Project will extend the bridge’s service life through major structural, deck, and safety improvements, ensuring it continues to meet modern standards while maintaining safe and reliable travel for decades to come.

Gold Star Memorial Bridge - Northbound Rehab

What You Should Know

Traffic patterns will be shifting to a new alignment for the duration of the project. This change is part of the ongoing efforts to safely and efficiently advance the project while maintaining traffic flow. This short video will help you visualize these upcoming changes, including lane shifts, the crossover, and what drives can expect when traveling through the work zone. 
Contract information: Contractor MSR Gold Star Partners; Designer of Record HNTB; Contract Administrator CTDOT District 2; Construction Engineering and Inspection GM2 Associates, Inc. Start date Fall 2026; anticipated completion Fall 2030; design and construction cost $900 million
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