State transportation officials are evaluating a suite of improvements to the Interstate 95 corridor that runs through Bridgeport and Fairfield, a move that could reshape daily commutes for the 120,000‑130,000 vehicles that travel the stretch each day, according to NBC Connecticut.
Engineers from GM2, represented by JJ Samus, said the study is “leaving no stone unturned” as it looks at options ranging from redesigned ramps and new lanes to the more ambitious idea of lowering or covering portions of the highway. Samus added that such a project could do more than ease traffic; it could “reconnect neighborhoods” that have been divided by the interstate, strengthening local roadway networks.
Local drivers have voiced frustration with the current conditions. Ken Henninger of Milford described the traffic as “wall‑to‑wall cars” and warned that “it’s getting really bad.” Project manager Matthew Vail highlighted safety concerns, noting a prevalence of rear‑end crashes and sideswipes as drivers attempt to enter and exit the highway.
Beyond vehicle flow, the study also examines pedestrian and cyclist safety. Proposed measures include curb extensions, high‑visibility crosswalks, and safer connections across the highway, aiming to make the corridor more accessible for non‑driving residents.
While the concepts remain under review with no final timetable announced, officials emphasized that even modest enhancements could provide immediate relief. “You just got to drive with caution,” Henninger said, underscoring the urgency many commuters feel.
In a separate transportation development, United Airlines announced a new nonstop service from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The daily flight will depart at 6:30 p.m. beginning March 28, 2027, expanding the airport’s route network, NBC Connecticut reported.
Mark Weithofer, United’s Managing Director of Domestic Network Planning, said the airline is “excited” to grow its presence in the region, now connecting Connecticut to five of United’s eight U.S. hubs. Michael Shea, executive director and CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority, praised the addition, noting that the flight “connects our community with an important business and leisure destination while providing travelers greater convenience and expanded access to the West Coast and destinations across the globe.”
Both projects reflect a broader focus on improving transportation infrastructure for Connecticut residents, aligning with the current administration’s emphasis on modernizing critical routes and expanding travel options.
What’s next: The I‑95 study will continue to evaluate design concepts, with public input sessions expected later this year, though no final decision date has been set. United’s San Francisco service will launch on March 28, 2027, with ticket information and schedules available through United Airlines.
Sources: nbcconnecticut.com, nbcconnecticut.com
