Another Round of Lane Closures for Large Route 8/25 Project

Editor’s Note: Patch is re-running this popular story in case you missed it the first time around.

Written by Rich Scinto (Patch Staff)

The bridge replacement project on Route 8 in Bridgeport is set to enter its second phase, which means more lane closures for motorists.

Getting Ready

Lane replacement will start on Route 8 and 25 at 7 p.m. July 15. Flucterating lane closures will occur on both the northbound and southbound sides during that time for lane markings. Lane marking will continue into the pre-down hours of July 16.

The Two-week Haul

Traffic realignment should be complete by the start of the commuting hours on July 16. Connecticut Department of Transportation anticipates the configuration will stay in place until July 30.

The number of lanes on Route 8 will be reduced to three for northbound traffic and two for southbound traffic between exits 3 and 5.

Route 8 northbound will shift to the southbound portion of the highway. In other words motorists will be driving north on what is normally southbound lanes.

Segments of Route 8, Route 1 and local roads in Bridgeport will be impacted by traffic. There will be short-term alternating closures of Capitol Avenue and Lindley Streets. Detours will be posted.

An Interesting Experiment for the DOT

The project is important not only for traffic in the area, but because the DOT is using a design-built project. Normally the DOT designs 100 percent of a job and then puts it out to bid, but on this project it advanced plans about 50 percent, put the contract out to bid and the contractor completed the other half of plans and will do construction.

The method allows projects to get on the ground quicker because contractors can design as a project is being built. The ultimate goal is to save time, money and make the whole project more efficient.

It also allows contractors to introduce innovation and new ideas to a project.

Image via Route 8 Bridgeport