New Exit 33 On-Ramp Opening Celebrated In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Officials recently celebrated the long-awaited opening of the new I-95 Northbound Exit 33 on-ramp in Stratford.

The ramp opened to traffic last Friday and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the occasion.

“This project has long been a priority of mine as State Representative and then as Mayor,” Stratford Mayor Laura Hoydick wrote in a post on Facebook. “This Exit, eliminated during the build of I-95 to prevent motorists from avoiding the Stratford toll plaza that had been placed there, is finally in place providing critical highway access for the businesses along our Route 1 corridor, enhancing our local commerce.

“There are many we should thanks for their efforts to make this a reality- including former State Representative and Mayor John Harkins, Governor Ned Lamont, Commissioners Giulietti and Redeker along with the State DOT, US Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Senator Kevin Kelly, Representatives Joe Gresko, Ben McGorty and our legislative delegation, and Don Shubert of CT Construction Industries.

“It is thrilling to see this ramp open, with the completion of the full project slated for opening this Spring!”

The project, which took several years to be approved, designed, and completed, added an on-ramp in the northbound lane direction for Exit 33 and off-ramp in the southbound lane direction, creating a full interchange. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the total cost approved for the project was just under $29 million.

"I know that the completion of this project is a relief to many Stratford residents and businesses," State Rep. Joseph P. Gresko (D-121st District) said. "Projects such as this not only help ease congestion, but they also play a major role in helping Connecticut rise 15 spots in recent year in national rankings of the condition of each state's highway system. I am proud that Rep. Young and I were able to play a role in ensuring this project was completed for Stratford residents and visitors."

Gresko currently serves as chair of the Environment Committee and is also a member of the Energy & Technology Committee. State Rep. Phil Young (D-120th District) serves with Gresko on the Environment Committee, and also serves on the Judiciary and Public Health Committees.

"This ramp is a great addition to Stratford,” Young said. “This highway entrance will help ease traffic in our community. It truly is a catalyst that will drive Stratford's economy to new heights.”," said Rep. Phil Young.

State Sen. Kevin Kelly said the opening of Exit 33 is “significant” for Stratford.

“It is the final and closing chapter to the long story of Stratford’s toll plaza,” Kelly said. “A toll that was bad for the environment, bad for traffic safety and commuters, and bad for local commerce and jobs. A toll that disrupted the flow of traffic, not only on I-95, but also the flow of traffic within our town. Today is a new beginning. A beginning which will provide Stratford with greater access to, and exit from, I-95; as well as an investment in our Route 1 corridor to improve traffic flow, enhance commerce, create jobs and broaden our local tax base. Years of hard work, planning and leadership have brought us to this point and for that, we say thank you to all involved.”