Bridge Across Long Island Sound Proposal Gains New Momentum

For decades, legislators and disgruntled drivers have debated the merits of building a bridge connecting Connecticut and Long Island.

Now, an Easton real estate developer is leading a renewed push, and the proposal is once again gaining attention.

The Connecticut-Long Island Initiative, a newly formed nonprofit organization, has launched a website, petition and public outreach effort promoting a fixed crossing between Bridgeport and Long Island.

The nonprofit will hold a press conference Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to further discuss the proposal.

The proposed crossing would connect Interstate 95 in Bridgeport to the Sunken Meadow Parkway area near Kings Park, New York, through either a bridge, tunnel or hybrid crossing.

According to the organization's website, the Connecticut-Long Island Initiative was founded in 2026 by Connecticut native Stephen Shapiro and is focused on advocating for transportation improvements between Connecticut and Long Island.

The effort comes several months after Connecticut lawmakers considered legislation that would study the creation of a Connecticut Bridge Authority to evaluate the feasibility of a Long Island Sound crossing.

Under the proposal, a working group would examine financing, engineering, environmental considerations and potential public-private partnerships before reporting its findings to lawmakers.

Supporters say the project could reduce travel times, improve freight movement and strengthen economic ties between the two states. The group also argues a direct crossing could boost tourism, improve supply chains, expand commuting opportunities and spur economic development, particularly in Bridgeport.

The concept of a fixed crossing over Long Island Sound has been debated for decades. Previous proposals, including the Oyster Bay-Rye Bridge and various tunnel concepts, never advanced beyond the planning stage because of political, environmental and financial concerns.

The nonprofit estimates a crossing could cost between $13 billion and $50 billion depending on the design. But the price tag is also a point of contention, as critics question whether the bridge will cost more money than it's worth.

The group says similar large-scale transportation projects are often funded through a combination of federal loans, private investment, bonds and toll revenue.

The Connecticut-Long Island Initiative's press conference is scheduled for noon Monday in Room 1D of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Organizers said elected officials, stakeholders and advocates are expected to discuss the proposal and answer questions from the public.

Residents can learn more about the proposal and sign the group's petition at CTLII.com.