The Connecticut Department of Transportation plans a big change in a highway ramp and the project is intended to improve safety, according to the agency.
The planned changes are for improvements at Exit 46 on Route 15, according to the agency. The exit is close to the Hero’s Tunnel that takes traffic under West Rock between New Haven and Hamden.
The estimated construction cost for the project is $90 million, according to the agency. The project is anticipated to be done with 80% federal funds and 20% state funds.
“The installation of acceleration and deceleration lanes on Exit 46 will improve safety, mobility, and connectivity on Route 15, and the immediate connections with Route 69 and Route 63,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Project Manager Jeffrey Pfaffinger said, in a statement.
“The project also proposes to relocate the existing Route 15 northbound on-ramp to a new loop ramp,” he said. “We encourage the public to attend this (Feb. 3) meeting to share their feedback with the CTDOT project team to incorporate into the design.”
The agency said right-of-way impacts associated with the proposal include “one full and two minor acquisitions,” but it did not name them.
Traffic jams have become a regular part of using Route 15 in parts of Connecticut as the DOT makes improvements.
Route 69, also known as Litchfield Turnpike, is a significant thoroughfare from New Haven through Woodbridge, and then into Bethany and north to Prospect. Route 63 also runs north through Woodbridge and further. Route 63 is the second longest state route entirely within Connecticut (Route 15, at 83.53 miles, takes the top spot).,” according to Kurumi.com.
The exit also is used by drivers accessing New Haven, as Amity Road southbound becomes Whalley Avenue in Westville.
The DOT plans a hybrid Public Information Meeting on the Exit 46 Improvements on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Inclement weather date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
According to the agency the meeting is being held to provide the public and local community the opportunity to offer comments or ask questions on the proposed project. The meeting will take place in-person and on Zoom, and registration is required. For instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments or ask questions, visit portal.ct.gov/DOTNEWHAVEN0092-0689.
A question and answer session will immediately follow the presentation, and it will be recorded according to the DOT.
The agency also noted construction is anticipated to begin in the spring 2028 based on the availability of funding, acquisition of rights of way, and approval of permits.
Heroes Tunnel in New Haven is a distinctive feature of the Wilbur Cross Parkway, named after Gov. Wilbur Lucius Cross, who served from 1931 to 1939. The planned changes are for improvement at Exit 46 on Route 15, according to the agency. The exit is close to the Hero’s Tunnel that take traffic under West Rock between New Haven and Hamden.
Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling (877) 853-5257 and enter Meeting ID: 845 8665 9721.
Language assistance can be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance, according to DOT.
Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meeting to Jeffrey Pfaffinger, at (860) 594-2767 or [email protected]. Reference Project No. 0092-0689 in email or voicemail.