The West River Bridge is a vital connection along I‑95, linking New Haven and West Haven, Connecticut, and carrying more than 150,000 vehicles each day as the primary gateway to New England. After nearly 60 years of exposure to harsh coastal weather, the 1,138‑foot structure had become structurally deficient and required full replacement. As part of a five‑year, $135 million program, STV, in joint venture, provided construction engineering and inspection services to replace the bridge and redesign the adjoining cloverleaf interchange to improve safety, reduce weaving conflicts and enhance traffic flow in one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors.
What challenges did STV address?
The aging bridge needed complete replacement while maintaining six lanes of active interstate traffic. The adjacent cloverleaf interchange created dangerous weaving conditions and required reconfiguration to improve safety. The tight corridor, heavy daily traffic volumes and the coastal environment demanded complex staging strategies and continuous coordination with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and local communities.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV oversaw the construction of a new 136‑foot‑wide bridge that replaced the previous 92‑foot structure and added full‑width shoulders in both directions. To eliminate weaving hazards, the team supported the redesign of the cloverleaf into a combined diamond interchange and supervised reconstruction of approximately one mile of adjacent highway. STV inspected construction sequencing, safety practices, materials and traffic operations while ensuring critical project milestones were met. The redesign also introduced three new signalized intersections linked with three existing intersections to optimize traffic operations.
How does this project benefit the community?
The new bridge enhances safety, capacity and reliability along one of Connecticut’s most important travel corridors. Improved interchange geometry reduces crashes, shortens travel times and provides smoother connections between local roads and I‑95. The project strengthens a crucial New England link that residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day.
Key stats and accolades
- 1,138‑foot bridge replacement
- Width increased from 92 to 136 feet
- Reconstruction of one mile of adjacent highway
- New combined diamond interchange design
- Three new interconnected signalized intersections
- Achievement in Civil Engineering Award
