The City of New Haven's Downtown Crossing Project is an infrastructure project which will transform the portion of Route 34 in New Haven (commonly referred to as the Oak Street Connector) from expressway into urban boulevards designed for pedestrian and bicycle use, as well as low-speed motor vehicle traffic.

For nearly half a century, the Route 34 expressway served as both a physical and psychological barrier between Downtown New Haven and the Hill neighborhood. The Downtown Crossing Project will replace the expressway with urban boulevards; reconnect Orange Street to South Orange Street and connect Temple Street to Congress Avenue, restoring connectivity between Downtown New Haven, the Hill neighborhood, the Medical District, and Union Station. The project includes pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements, a public plaza and open space, as well as systems to prevent flooding that serve as beautification measures, and the reclamation of approximately 10 acres of developable land from the former expressway’s right-of-way.

Phase I of the project was completed in 2016, with the rebuilding of the College Street Bridge, the construction of dedicated bike lanes, the addition of new traffic signals and pedestrian lighting, and the closure of the highway exit ramps that led to College Street. All traffic now enters the city grid further east at Church Street.

Phase 2 builds on the improvements made in Phase 1 by re-establishing the Orange Street connection severed by Route 34. This intersection will create a new gateway to the city and support private development at this site. Planned improvements will increase transportation efficiency and safety for all modes including motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian. In Phase 3, a bridge will be constructed to extend Temple Street to Congress Avenue, which will provide another multi-modal connection between Downtown New Haven and the Hill neighborhood and reclaim more land for development.

When completed, the Downtown Crossing Project will make it safer and easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy our City, provide new opportunities for economic development, and restore the urban street environment that was removed decades ago to build the expressway.

To learn more, visit the Downtown Crossing website.