CT Ramp and Road Projects Begin; Temporary Highway Closures Ahead

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is moving ahead with a slate of major infrastructure projects across the state, even as winter sets in.

From highway safety upgrades in Middletown and New Britain to bridge work in New London and a new multi-use trail in Plainville, these projects will affect drivers in communities from Hartford to New Haven and beyond over the coming months and years.

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Overnight Closures on Route 9 in Middletown for Safety Upgrades

If you rely on Route 9 through Middletown, get ready for some overnight disruptions as CTDOT targets a notorious crash area near the Route 17 ramps.

Folks in Cromwell, Portland, and Durham should plan for detours and extra travel time.

Five Nights of Southbound Closures Between Exit 23B and Route 17

Starting Friday, Dec. 12, Route 9 Southbound in Middletown will close overnight between Exit 23B and the Route 17 northbound on-ramp for five consecutive nights.

These closures happen in the evening and overnight, so daytime drivers might not notice, but late commuters and commercial traffic will definitely feel the impact.

Crews are focusing on safety improvements at the Route 17 on-ramp to Route 9 northbound—a spot that’s earned a reputation for crashes thanks to its stop-sign-controlled setup.

By reworking this connection, CTDOT hopes to cut down on rear-end and sideswipe collisions for drivers from Middletown, Meriden, and other central Connecticut towns.

This is all part of a $50.4 million safety project awarded to Middlesex Corporation in February 2023.

The schedule stretches to June 16, 2027, which shows just how big and complicated the work is along this stretch of Route 9—a critical link between Hartford, Middletown, and the shoreline.

Guardrail Improvements on I-84 in New Britain

On the busy I‑84 corridor in New Britain, CTDOT is turning its attention to guardrail upgrades that are crucial for highway safety.

This work will affect drivers commuting between Hartford, Bristol, and Waterbury.

Nightly Work Between Exits 35 and 39

Starting Dec. 15, crews will upgrade guardrails on Interstate 84 East in New Britain between Exits 35 and 39.

The work happens nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. and runs through Jan. 30. There won’t be work during major holidays.

Full closures aren’t expected, but drivers should watch for lane shifts, slowdowns, and plenty of construction crews.

This stretch of I‑84 carries a ton of traffic between Hartford, Newington, and Southington, so strong guardrails are especially important during winter and busy rush hours.

Bridge Rehabilitation on I‑95 and U.S. 1 in New London

Along the shoreline, New London is in for a big bridge rehabilitation project that will touch several key roads used by drivers from Groton, Norwich, and other southeastern Connecticut towns.

Multi-Bridge Project with Lane Closures Through 2026

Starting Dec. 15, CTDOT will kick off a $14 million bridge project on Interstate 95 North, U.S. Route 1, and South Frontage Road in New London.

ROTHA Contracting will handle the work, which includes nighttime lane closures and shifting traffic patterns through Jan. 7, 2026.

The project includes:

Full replacement of aging bridge structures

Drainage improvements to reduce flooding and extend pavement life

Roadway realignment to improve sightlines and traffic flow

Traffic signal upgrades to modernize intersection operations

Major construction should wrap up by November 30.

New Multi-Use Trail Coming to Plainville

Not all of CTDOT’s current work focuses on highways. In Plainville, a new multi-use trail is coming, expanding options for folks who walk, run, or bike between neighborhoods and nearby towns like Farmington and Bristol.

0.76-Mile Trail with Paved Surface and Amenities

From Dec. 18 through May 14, 2027, drivers can expect lane and shoulder closures on Town Line Road and Red Stone Hill Road in Plainville.

This supports construction of a 0.76‑mile multi-use trail by Genovesi Construction at a cost of $3.7 million.

The trail will feature:

A 12-foot-wide paved surface for bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs

Safety and wayfinding signage

Benches and picnic tables for rest and recreation

Parking for trail users from surrounding towns

Traffic Control and What Drivers Should Expect

Across all of these projects—from Route 9 in Middletown to I‑95 in New London—CTDOT is emphasizing work zone safety as crews work through winter and overnight hours.

Signage, Flaggers, and Police Presence Statewide

If you’re driving through cities and towns like Middletown, New Britain, New London, Plainville, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, and Stamford, expect to see some serious traffic control measures.

You’ll spot advance warning signs that let you know about lane closures and detours.

Flaggers will be out there, guiding one-way traffic when needed.

Police officers will enforce slower speed limits in work zones.

It’s a good idea to slow down, pay attention, and maybe plan for some extra travel time when you’re heading through these construction spots.

Here is the source article for this story: CT roadway and ramp projects begin this week. One will bring temporary highway closures.

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