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NEW ORANGE STREET INTERSECTION TO OPEN ON MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2022
Great news: the new Orange Street intersection is set to open this coming Monday, April 18th!

The opening of the new intersection across the former highway corridor is both significant and historic. It marks a new truncation of the highway environment and reclamation of New Haven streets. It marks the reconnection of Orange Street for the first time in approximately 60 years and with that the removal of the physical barrier that separated the Hill neighborhood from Downtown New Haven for decades.

The new crossing also features the first protected intersection in Connecticut! Protected intersections provide bicyclists and pedestrians paths that are separated from motor vehicle traffic so that they do not have to compete with cars when crossing the intersection.
 
Please read below for important information on how to navigate the the first protected intersection in Connecticut including what each type of user should be mindful of as they cross. 

The Downtown Crossing team thanks the New Haven community for their patience as we worked to finalize the opening of the new Orange Street intersection. 

NAVIAGATING THE ORANGE STREET INTERSECTION

The opening of the new Orange Street intersection across Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and South Frontage Road will create a significant change in the overall traffic pattern. 
 
These changes include a new traffic signal and sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Important information for all users of the intersection -- drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists -- is provided below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS:
NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL
 
  • Drivers exiting I-91 and I-95 to approach Downtown New Haven (Exit 1 from I91 South and Exit 47 from I95 North) will now encounter a new traffic signal at Orange Street.
 
  • Drivers are urged to pay attention to on-road signage, slow down, and stay safe! The new intersection and traffic signals are at a location that drivers are used to driving past without stopping. 

  • Obey the speed limit. The speed limit on the exit ramps from both I-91 and I-95 is 30 MPH. 

  • There are NO LEFT-HAND TURNS ALLOWED for drivers from any point in the intersection. 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR DRIVERS:
SHARING THE ROAD WITH PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
 
  • The new intersection and its traffic signals are designed for pedestrians and bicyclists, not only drivers! Drivers should be especially cognizant that they are utilizing a shared space along with pedestrians and bicyclists. Drivers should pay careful attention to on-road signage and obey the speed limit to keep all road users safe.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
PEDESTRIANS & BICYCLISTS
 
The intersection includes both pedestrian signals and bicycle signals. Pedestrians and bicyclists should heed the signals to stay safe.

  • When crossing the intersection in the north-south direction, it will take at least TWO CROSSWALK PHASES for pedestrians to fully cross Orange Street. In other words, pedestrians will need to use the 'crosswalk' button twice and pause on one of the pedestrian islands in between the first and second crosswalk phases. Please see image below.
 
  • 1st Crosswalk Phase: The first crosswalk phase will allow crossing from the sidewalk to one of the pedestrian islands.

  • 2nd Crosswalk Phase: The second crosswalk phase will allow pedestrians and bicyclists to move from the pedestrian island to the sidewalk on the other side of the intersection.

  • Pedestrians should NEVER try to beat the crosswalk signals. Instead, stop at one of the pedestrian islands instead and wait for the next crosswalk signal. Please see image below.

  • Bike lanes are one-way and marked with directional arrows. Bicyclists should follow the one-way directional arrows so that they can easily view the bike signals.
 
  • Bicyclists and pedestrians are separated with their own paths around the intersection, with one exception.  At the northern side of the intersection, bicyclists and pedestrians will use the same “shared raised crosswalk” to cross. Please see image below.