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GROTON-A tractor-trailer accident sparked a massive fire on the Gold Star Bridge that shut down Interstate-95 for two hours.
CT State Police / Contributed
GROTON — Starting Monday, state officials will offer a shuttle service for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the Gold Star Memorial Bridge while crews repair a walkway damaged in a fatal car crash last month.
The free, 20-passenger shuttle bus, which will operate on continuous 30-minute loops, will begin Monday. The bus will run seven days a week between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation.
The sidewalk on the bridge linking Gorton and New London has been closed since April 21 when a truck carrying heating oil collided with a disabled car, causing the truck to overturn and ignite its 2,200 gallons of oil. The crash did not cause any structural harm to the bridge, but it did damage the walkway.
Transportation department officials said the shuttle service will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the bridge while the walkway is closed for repair and testing. The bus, which will be labeled “Gold Star Bridge Shuttle,” will be able to carry up to two bicycles.
“One of our guiding principles at CTDOT is ensuring that our transportation system is accessible to everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists,” CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said in a statement. “The need for pedestrian and bicyclist crossing access to be restored quickly has been a priority for our team following April’s tragic crash.”
According to the department, the stops will be located at Williams Street and Bailey Circle (southbound), Bridge Street in Groton, 121 Riverview Avenue and 1 Bailey Circle. A complete schedule for the ADA-accessible shuttle is available at CTrides.com.
