For anyone who ever drives onto Interstate 91 from Interstate 95 in New Haven, the lanes are changing: Starting Saturday, if you’re going to I-91, you’ll be exiting I-95N from the right lane to Exit 48.
To continue on I-95, you’ll be using the highway’s two left lanes, the way a Interstate highway normally works, but for the first time at this spot.
And until GPS systems are updated, they won’t be of any help to you.
It will be a big difference from using the old I-91 entrance via the left side of I-95 North.
This illustration from the DOT posted by state Sen. Bob Duff on Facebook shows the change as seen from the highway:
Posted by state Sen. Bob Duff on Facebook. The text at the top is part of what Duff wrote.
If you just pay attention to the highway signs near the interchange, that may be enough for you to avoid problems (although highway signs can get screwed up, too). With other drivers possibly not paying attention, it may be a good idea for a little while to drive carefully near the new exit.
Here’s what Duff wrote on Facebook on Friday afternoon:
If you’re going to New Haven:
As of TOMORROW morning (Saturday), the right-hand lanes of I-95 North (in the Long Wharf area of New Haven) will be shifted and bring drivers to I-91 North (the right hand lanes currently bring drivers to I-95 North). Conversely, the left hand lanes of I-95 North (again, in the Long Wharf area of New Haven) will be shifted and will bring drivers to the Q Bridge, remaining on I-95 North (the left-hand lanes currently bring drivers to I-91 North).
Please note:
Pay attention to signage
Do NOT follow your GPS in this area of I-95 North (it will take a little while for GPS systems to update with the new information)
Share this info with friends or family who may be traveling in the area
The state Department of Transportation has announced that construction work will take place overnight Friday to Saturday at the highway interchange, with work expected to be complete sometime early Saturday morning.
A special DOT Web page about the project, with updates, can be found here.
Here’s a map-like illustration showing the new exit as if from the air:
What it will be like starting Saturday —
Going north from I-95 to I-91 will be done the way normal highways work — with an exit on the right (and then, when the exit lanes fork left and right, taking the right lane). Your withdrawal symptoms are to be expected.
Here’s what it’s looked like up until Friday night —
The way to get from I-95N to I-91N until Friday night. Say goodbye to all that. (The longstanding left-side exit to I-91 can be seen, but it isn’t colored.)