(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut will illuminate the Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge in New Haven – more commonly known among residents as the Q Bridge – in red lights beginning tonight to honor the thousands of Connecticut health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bridge carries I-95 over the Quinnipiac River in New Haven, and is operated and maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
“Our state’s health care workers have been thrown into this crisis and are literally working around the clock to protect our state from this pandemic,” Governor Lamont said. “This is a visible way for us to express our appreciation for their dedication during this national crisis, and a reminder to our residents about the sacrifices they are making on our behalf. Too often, our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and so many others are almost taken for granted. We want them to know that we understand and appreciate their commitment to the health and safety of our citizens.”
“Health care workers across Connecticut deserve our sincerest gratitude for stepping up to be on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Their hard work and dedication to the people of our state is truly praiseworthy. I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank the health care workers in their community and to honor their sacrifice by continuing to stay home and practice safe social distancing in order to stop the spread of this virus.”
“I am pleased that we are able to honor these brave men and women in this special way,” Transportation Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti said. “The Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge is one of the gems of Connecticut’s highway system – a signature structure on our coastline – traveled by more than 130,000 vehicles on a typical day.”
Normally, the bridge is illuminated in soft shades of blue or green. In keeping with the memorial designation of the bridge, it is illuminated red, white, and blue on special days of commemoration, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and September 11.
The special red lighting honoring the state’s health care workers will continue as long as the COVID-19 pandemic remains at significant levels.