Share
EAST LYME — Long-anticipated work on the I-95 interchange with Route 161 at Exit 74 will begin on Monday, March 13.
During the first week impacts on traffic will be minimal according to Josh Morgan, spokesman for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, who said the state’s project team met with East Lyme officials on March 9 for a pre-construction meeting.
East Lyme First Selectman Kevin Seery, in his March 9 blog post on the town website, said that work during the first week will involve surveyors placing stakes and ribbons.
“It is not anticipated that there will be lane closures while the survey work is being done next week, but it is possible,” he wrote.
The next phase will include relocating the “utility poles, gas lines, and water and sewer lines on Rt 161,” said Seery.
“That is when the lane closures are anticipated to begin. The Project Managers have stated their intention is to notify the Town approximately two weeks in advance of the need to close lanes so ample notification can be provided to the public,” he wrote.
The project was estimated at $142 million in 2021, when it was expected to begin. The project was delayed for two years due to a number of property issues pertaining to acquisitions and easements.
According to Morgan, the project — which includes replacing the bridge, widening the highway, adding auxiliary lanes, extending on/off ramps, widening Rte. 161, and adding commuter parking lots — is expected to be completed in 4.5 years.
“Lane closures will be required based on project needs. All lane closures and project updates will be shared via the project website, local alerts through the municipality, and social media,” said Morgan. “The project website – I-95EastLyme.com – is still being developed and will be online in mid-April.”