Construction on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge – that connects Groton to New London over the Thames River – is starting this week.
The construction is expected to continue for the next five years.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) said structural steel repairs, concrete deck patching and re-paving will begin on the southbound side of the bridge.
Drivers can expect long-term lane closures and lane shifts through November 2018. The $26 million construction project is starting just in time for the summer tourism season.
"Traffic is just horrendous in the summertime and there's a lot of accidents too in this area,” said Tammy Sisco of Gales Ferry, who drives the bridge often.
"Big jam traffic because people go to work every morning and they have to be there at a certain time,” said Mary Ayala of Norwich.
Possibly starting in spring 2018, the northbound side will see work begin. It’s estimated to cost $250 million dollars, according to CTDOT. Work should begin underneath the bridge. So, traffic will not be impacted initially.
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The CTDOT said construction will include replacing the entire bridge deck and strengthening and upgrading the steel.
The northbound side of the bridge was built about 30 years earlier than its southbound counterpart. Updates will bring the structural steel up to current standards to accommodate the cars and trucks on the road.
CTDOT said this type of work is expected to preserve the bridge for years to come.
"I remember they were doing construction in New Haven on that bridge and it just was a dreaded drive for years,” said Keely Dennis of Mystic.
"My folks live in Groton and I live in new London. So it's going to be a lot of back-ups and a lot of patience,” said Cindy Weiner of New London.
