Crisco welcomes funding for upgrades to tunnel, Route 15 Exit 59

WOODBRIDGE - State Sen. Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, announced today the State Bond Commission has approved funds that will pay for preliminary plans to rehabilitate the aging Route 15 West Rock Tunnel and the nearby, accident-prone Exit 59.

 Joseph Crisco

The State Bond Commission Friday approved releasing $2 million in bonding for the preliminary design phase for new and rehabilitated tunnels carrying Route 15 (the Wilbur Cross Parkway) under the West Rock Ridge in Woodbridge and New Haven.

Built in 1949, this quarter-mile twin tunnel requires constant maintenance due to its poor condition and hazards created by falling concrete, ice, and poor illumination. 

The planned rehabilitation of the tunnel will use innovative means to maintain traffic flow during construction and to shorten the duration of construction; the work may include creation of a third tunnel.

The work will also reconstruct the Exit 59 interchange in New Haven and Woodbridge. A study of the interchange was initiated several years ago due to high accident rates and traffic congestion in the area. 
The goals of a reconfigured exit are to improve safety, reduce congestion, improve pedestrian accommodations, and improve commuter connectivity to and from Route 15.

“We hear a lot from commuters and businesses that Connecticut needs a modern, safe, and reliable transportation infrastructure in order to be efficient and productive, and that’s what this state investment will do: modernize and improve the West Rock Tunnel that is used by thousands of commuters every day, and improve the safety and functionality of Exit 59,” Crisco said. 
“I want to thank Governor Malloy and the State Bond Commission for recognizing the importance of these improvements to the residents and businesses of Woodbridge and the area, and for having the courage and the commitment to moving this state forward on an everyday transportation issue."


This is a press release from Crisco's office.