Printer Friendly Version - I-95 Bridge Replacement Closes Exit 55 April 6 - Aug. 8

On and off ramps at I-95 Exit 55 in Branford were closed by barriers on April 6 and will remain closed through August 8; during the next phase of a partial bridge replacement on I-95 over Route 1.Pam Johnson/The Sound

The partial bridge replacement on I-95 over Route 1 at Exit 55 in Branford ramped up on April 6, when the state Dept. of Transportation (DOT) closed off southbound or northbound I-95 Exit 55 ramps connecting to Route 1 to prepare for the bridge placement phase of the project.

Exit 55 northbound and southbound on-ramps and off-ramps at the eastern end of town will remain closed until August 8, according to signs posted at the exits, which have been blocked off by the DOT.

As delays are expected in the area, the DOT is advising motorists to avoid the area whenever possible. When traveling through the area, use extreme caution, as traffic patterns will be changing frequently. Motorists should also anticipate lane closures on I-95 northbound and southbound and on Route 1 in the vicinity of the project area, with most delays expected Monday through Sunday between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. To allow for two travel lanes in each direction on I-95, travel lanes will have a reduced width and road shoulders will be minimized in the area. Motorists are requested to remain aware and to utilize caution in the work zone area.

The bridge replacement involves Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques, a type of rapid replacement involving constructing bridge components off-site and then transporting them to the work site for installation. The bridge replacement project was awarded to O&G Industries (Torrington) at a cost of $11,370,456.82 on January 14, 2019 with a scheduled completion of October 2, 2020.

During the time that the Exit 55 ramps are closed, highway and Route 1 Exit 55 detour signs will direct traffic the following alternate routes:

Exit 55 Northbound (NB) off-ramp - use Exit 56, at the end of the ramp turn left onto Leetes Island Road. Follow Leetes Island Road and turn left onto Route 1. Follow Route 1 to Exit 55.

Exit 55 Southbound (SB) off-ramp – use Exit 54, at the end of the ramp turn left onto Cedar Street. Continue on Cedar Street and turn left onto Route 1. Follow Route 1 to Exit 55.

Exit 55 NB on-ramp – use Route 1 to Leetes Island Road. Turn right onto Leetes Island Road and follow to the Exit 56 NB on-ramp.

Exit 55 SB on-ramp – use Route 1 to Leetes Island Road. Turn right onto Leetes Island Road and follow to the Exit 56 SB on-ramp.