The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently began construction on $148 million in infrastructure improvements on I-95 and Route 161 in East Lyme.
Work will be conducted on a 1.3-mile stretch, reconfiguring the Exit 74 interchange, adding full-length acceleration lanes, creating 12-foot shoulders, replacing the bridge over Route 161, and adding sidewalks and shoulders on Route 161.
The project aims to reduce the number of crashes and allow traffic to move more freely. Between 2018 and 2021, there were nearly 200 crashes with more than 50 injuries at the interchange.
“This major infrastructure project improves the safety and mobility for all roadway users in the area,” Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “We will be able to alleviate the congestion on I-95 in this area currently caused by inadequate design and a high rate of crashes. While working in this area, we want to make sure to improve the safety of walkers and bikers through the corridor by building new sidewalks. Thanks to the federal infrastructure law, we are able to kick-start more projects and make a safer transportation system for all.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funded 80 percent of the project.
The project is expected to be completed in 2027.