A massive overhaul of one of the state’s most congested highway interchanges is advancing on schedule, Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday, while announcing that the project’s first phase has been completed.
The rebuilt Route 15 northbound bridge over Interstate 91 is slated to open on May 1. The first half of the bridge is finished, and the second half will follow in the next construction stage.
The work is part of the three-phase reconstruction of the Interstate 91, Interstate 691 and Route 15 interchange in Meriden — a project carrying a total price tag of more than $712 million.
The project’s initial phase focused on repairing bridges, adding a travel lane to I-91 and reconfiguring the ramp from I-691 eastbound to I-91 northbound in an effort to reduce crashes.
Phase two has been underway for two years and is expected to wrap up by 2028; the full project is targeted for completion by 2030.
Work on the third phase began in April, with crews conducting overnight work to prepare the corridor for full reconstruction. That phase will focus on the southbound side of the interchange, adding two-lane ramps and reconfiguring connections to improve traffic flow. Major bridge work, including on the Murdock Avenue Bridge, is scheduled to begin this summer.
Funding for the project includes state and federal money. Phase two is backed by $50 million in state funds and $200 million in federal money, while phase three is expected to follow a similar split — roughly 80% federal and 20% state. The bulk of the federal funding flows from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“By modernizing this critical interchange, we will ease congestion for commuters, improve the movement of goods across our state, and support long-term economic growth,” Lamont said. “From day one, we committed to delivering these improvements on-time and on-budget, and today’s progress shows we are getting it done.”
Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said crews have been working around the clock to keep construction moving while minimizing disruptions to traffic. He urged drivers to reduce speed and give workers space as the project continues.
