Connecticut lawmakers and supporters are again discussing a long-debated proposal to build a bridge connecting Connecticut and Long Island, a project advocates say could cut travel times and ease regional traffic congestion.
Proposal Details
The proposal calls for a roughly 12-mile bridge with 1-mile tunnels at each end, connecting Bridgeport and Kings Park, New York. Supporters estimate the project would cost about $50 billion and would rely on a combination of private and federal funding. Under the proposal, Connecticut and New York would each contribute about 5% of the total cost, or roughly $1.25 billion each.
Developer Stephen Shapiro, who is helping promote the proposal, said supporters believe the timing is right to revisit the idea. “This isn’t the first idea people have said is a pipe dream. Look at the moon landing; that was a lot crazier back then than this is now,” Shapiro said.
Community Reaction
Some Connecticut residents said they see potential benefits. Malik Dwyer of Enfield said a new connection between Connecticut and Long Island could help ease travel. “Traffic in New York is crazy, so another way to get in, a bridge at that, I think it would be really good,” Dwyer said. Tarapu Pyo of West Hartford also expressed support for the idea. “I feel like it might be cool and helpful,” Pyo said.
Supporters argue the project could provide economic benefits, create jobs and reduce traffic. “The main problem is the traffic,” Shapiro said. State Rep. Joe Hoxha, out of Bristol, said any serious consideration of the project would require a thorough review of its impact.
A bill introduced during the most recent legislative session to authorize a feasibility study for the project died in the General Assembly’s Commerce Committee. Hoxha said he plans to reintroduce the proposal next session, believing the potential economic, employment, and transportation benefits can’t be overlooked.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) said the bridge is not part of its current plans. In a statement, the agency said, “A bridge connecting Bridgeport to Long Island is not in the CTDOT’s plans. This proposal has never been vetted by CTDOT or any transportation planning organization.
Despite the challenges, supporters said they intend to continue pursuing the idea. “This bridge has been around 90 years, the idea, for a reason,” Shapiro said. Gov. Ned Lamont’s office offered a statement that read, “We will welcome engagement with relevant parties at the appropriate time. This concept is in early stages, but we’ll be here should plans advance further.”
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
