Second I-95 “Speed-Change” Lane in Norwalk Officially Open

The I-95 southbound Speed Change lane between exit 14 and 15 is now officially open for traffic.

This lane is a part of a multi-year effort to alleviate congestion at what is often called “choke point number one.”

At the official opening of the I95 northbound speed lane, Dec. 2014, Mayor Harry Rilling, State Senator Bob Duff and state rep Bruce Morris . Credit: Leslie Yager

The northbound “speed lane” between exit 14 and 15 opened last December to very positive comments by commuters, according to State Senate majority leader Bob Duff, (D-Dist. 25, Darien, Norwalk).

The speed change lanes between exits 7 and 8 in Stamford served as models for Norwalk.

The northbound speed lane is 2,100 ft long. The southbound speed lane is 2,300 ft long and runs from Rte 7 (exit 15) and extends to Rte 1 (exit 14).

The project gives an additional lane in each direction between exits 14 and 15 so drivers have more space and time to adjust their speeds outside of the main traffic flow as the transition to or from the interchange ramps.

As part of the widening, three bridges – Fairfield Avenue, Cedar Street, and Taylor Avenue – will be replaced and widened over I-95.

This Project will also increase the drainage throughout the area and improve Route 1 including widening, paving, drainage, and traffic signal upgrades.

The contract was awarded on April 24, 2012, at a cost of $42,330,340.41 and is scheduled for completion September of 2015.

More info can be found at www.i95norwalk.com