The scheduled midnight opening on Friday of the third westbound lane on I-84 in Waterbury has been delayed, according to the Department of Transportation.
The ride on the eastbound side has been smoother since a third lane opened for travel earlier this month, but commuters will have to wait a little bit longer for the orange cones to come off the westbound side between Austin Road and Washington Street.
A DOT spokesperson told NBC Connecticut the reason for the delay is the weather, adding the lane will be ready by the Monday morning commute at the latest.
In August, Governor Malloy announced the $330 million widening project was nearing completion, one year head of schedule.
The years of construction have caused headaches and delays for drivers.
“A nightmare,” said Sarah Pelletier of Waterbury. “It makes you want to avoid this whole side of town.”
Annabell Valencia said she cannot avoid that stretch of highway during the driver to her job in Wallingford.
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“It’s been pretty bad,” she said. “I mean I’m always late for work.”
Valencia told NBC Connecticut she is looking forward for three lanes to be moving on I-84 in both directions.
“The sooner the better,” she said, “for sure, it’s definitely going to cut some time off in that commute.”
The DOT plans to give its next update on the lane opening around 6 a.m. Saturday.
