State, Federal Government To Cover Groton Bridge Costs

GROTON, CT — The federal and state government will cover the estimated $8.4 million for replacing the Groton Long Point Road Bridge. Groton taxpayers will not be covering the cost, according to a statement from state Rep. Aundré Bumgardner (D – Groton, Stonington).

The Town of Groton was recently accepted into the Connecticut Department of Transportation Design-Build program, which means the town will no longer be on the hook for any spending toward the project. The move will save Groton about $1.7 million in town funds.

"This is a no brainer for Groton. We're going to make our community more resilient, and safer without spending a dime. This will allow the town to make critical investments in our infrastructure," Bumgardner said in a statement.

The state is now in charge of the bridge replacement initiative. According to the Department of Transportation, federal dollars will pay for at least 80% of the project. The state will contribute up to a 20% match.

Design and permitting is slated for this and next year. Construction is expected to begin in 2025-2026.

The project is intended to improve the safety of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians while making the bridge more resilient to rising sea levels.

The Groton Town council will vote on the issue Tuesday.