Traffic on Interstate 95 in East Lyme will be temporarily stopped twice each weekday for several weeks beginning Monday as construction crews use explosives to remove a rock ledge as part of a major highway reconstruction project, state officials said.
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, both northbound and southbound lanes of I-95 will be closed for approximately five to 10 minutes per closure, with stoppages occurring between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The brief halts are necessary to allow crews to safely conduct controlled blasting operations near Exit 74.
The blasting phase is expected to last about six weeks, though officials cautioned the work could extend to as many as eight weeks depending on site conditions. Explosives will be used to remove a rock ledge along the northbound side of the interstate, a key step in realigning the roadway.
“It will take time to blast these rocks and for the safety of the traveling public, the short closures will need to take place,” officials said. “We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to your commute.”
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The work is part of a $148 million infrastructure project that began in 2023 and is aimed at improving the “vertical geometry” of I-95 through East Lyme. The project includes flattening a section of the highway, replacing the I-95 bridge over Route 161, and constructing new on- and off-ramps at Exit 74, which currently feature tight curves that have long raised safety concerns.
Transportation officials have said the full project is scheduled for completion in spring 2027 and is expected to significantly improve safety and traffic flow along this heavily traveled stretch of interstate. Similar blasting operations were conducted earlier in the project when construction first began two years ago.
During the brief closures, drivers are encouraged to remain on the highway until traffic resumes. However, the DOT said detour routes will be posted online once the blasting phase begins for motorists who prefer alternate routes.
Officials emphasized that while the temporary stoppages may cause short delays, the long-term benefits include safer roadway conditions, improved access at Exit 74, and a modernized section of I-95 designed to better handle current and future traffic volumes.
Originally reported by CT Insider.
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