Lamont Announces Funding for Walk Bridge and Connecticut River Projects

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Gov. Ned Lamont and members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation announced on Friday that the state has received a $144 million grant — part of the Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant Program — toward the replacement of the Walk Bridge and the Connecticut River Bridge.

The Connecticut River Bridge, which opens and closes more than 3000 times a year, was constructed in 1907 and is the oldest movable bridge between Boston and New Haven. The project will replace the existing structure with a new bascule bridge 52 feet to the south.

State Rep. Devin Carney, R-Old Lyme, contacted by CT Examiner, said that the bridge replacement will create construction jobs for the area, as well as provide for quicker and safer travel.

Amtrak and Metro-North trains are currently restricted to a maximum speed of 45 mph as they make the crossing.

“I certainly think that any federal funding for a project like this is great,” said Carney. “It’s in definite need of replacement.” 

The Connecticut River replacement project is expected to cost approximately $759 million, and the design, which is currently 60 percent complete, is scheduled to be finalized by 2022.

Construction on the Connecticut River project is currently scheduled to take place between 2024 and 2030.


Emilia Otte

Emilia Otte covers health and education for the Connecticut Examiner. In 2022 Otte was awarded "Rookie of the Year," by the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

e.otte@ctexaminer.com