Easton Developer Launches New Push For Long Island Sound Crossing

WESTON-REDDING-EASTON, CT — An Easton real estate developer is leading a renewed effort to build a bridge or tunnel connecting Connecticut and Long Island.

Stephen Shapiro recently launched the Connecticut-Long Island Initiative, a nonprofit organization advocating for a fixed crossing between Bridgeport and Long Island. The group has unveiled a website, petition and public outreach campaign supporting the proposal and plans to hold a press conference Monday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

According to the organization's website, 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 design.

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. Supporters say a direct connection could reduce travel times, improve freight movement and strengthen economic ties between Connecticut and New York.

The concept has been debated for decades but has never advanced beyond the planning stage because of political, environmental and financial concerns. The Connecticut-Long Island Initiative 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's press conference is scheduled for noon Monday in Room 1D of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Residents can learn more about the proposal and sign the petition at CTLII.com.