Commuters in Fairfield and New Haven Counties experienced significant traffic delays on Thursday morning, September 25, 2025. Reports indicated congestion on both Interstate 95 (I-95) and the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), with some delays extending nearly 20 miles. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT) confirmed multiple incidents across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Traffic delays on I-95 and Merritt Parkway reached up to 20 miles.
- Fairfield County experienced more persistent delays compared to New Haven County.
- Multiple incidents contributed to congestion during the morning commute.
- Specific areas like Fairfield, Stamford, and Milford saw significant slowdowns.
Morning Commute Impact
The morning commute on Thursday, September 25, 2025, was severely affected by widespread traffic congestion. Drivers on major arteries, including I-95 and the Merritt Parkway, faced substantial slowdowns. The CT DOT provided live updates throughout the morning, detailing the affected areas and the extent of the delays.
Early reports indicated that the congestion was widespread, impacting both southbound and northbound lanes on I-95, as well as segments of the Merritt Parkway. The severity of the delays varied by location, but commuters across Fairfield and New Haven Counties were advised to expect longer travel times.
Traffic Facts
- Peak Delay: Approximately 20 miles reported on some routes.
- Affected Highways: I-95, Merritt Parkway (Route 15), and I-84.
- Date of Incident: Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Fairfield County Incidents
Fairfield County experienced some of the most significant and persistent delays. Multiple sections of I-95 and Route 15 were heavily impacted. These delays began in the early morning hours and continued for several hours, affecting thousands of commuters.
According to CT DOT reports, one of the longest southbound delays on I-95 was observed between Exits 19 and 13 in Fairfield, stretching approximately 10.2 miles. This specific congestion was reported at 7:48 a.m. and contributed to broader regional slowdowns.
Specific Fairfield County Delays
- Newtown: I-84 Westbound congested between Exits 14 and 10 (2.5 miles) at 8:14 a.m.
- Bridgeport: I-95 Southbound congested between Exits 26 and 24 (1.6 miles) at 6:07 a.m.
- Stamford: I-95 Southbound congested between Exits 9 and 5 (3.8 miles) at 6:46 a.m.
- Stratford: Route 15 Southbound congested between Exits 36 and 30 (6.4 miles) at 7:36 a.m.
- Fairfield: Route 15 Southbound congested between Exits 27 and 20 (6.6 miles) at 8:15 a.m.
- Norwalk: Route 15 Southbound congested between Exits 17B and 9 (7.9 miles) at 8:16 a.m.
- Trumbull: Route 15 Northbound congested between Exits 34 and 36 (2.8 miles) at 8:45 a.m.
"The morning was challenging for commuters across Fairfield County, with significant delays on key routes. Our teams worked to monitor and report conditions to help drivers navigate the congestion."
Background on Connecticut Traffic
Connecticut's major highways, I-95 and the Merritt Parkway (Route 15), are vital corridors for daily commuters and freight transport. They connect New York City to Boston and serve as primary routes through the state. Traffic congestion is a common issue, particularly during peak travel times and due to weather conditions or incidents.
The state DOT regularly provides real-time traffic updates through various channels to inform the public about current road conditions and potential delays. These updates are crucial for planning routes and managing travel times effectively.
New Haven County Congestion
New Haven County also experienced significant traffic issues during the morning. However, reports indicated that many of these delays resolved by early afternoon, showing a quicker recovery compared to Fairfield County. Still, the initial impact was substantial for local drivers.
One notable incident in New Haven County involved I-95 Northbound in Milford, where congestion extended for 9.5 miles between Exits 34 and 43. This was reported at 7:47 a.m., adding considerable time to northbound journeys.
Key New Haven County Delays
- North Haven: I-91 Southbound congested between Exits 9 and 1 (4.5 miles) at 7:45 a.m.
- New Haven: I-95 Southbound congested between Exits 46 and 43 (1.7 miles) at 7:38 a.m.
- Branford: I-95 Southbound congested between Exits 56 and 54 (3.3 miles) at 8:24 a.m.
- Orange: Route 15 Northbound congested between Exits 42B and 46 (3.7 miles) at 7:51 a.m.
Afternoon Update and Remaining Delays
By 12:49 p.m. ET, the majority of the severe delays, especially within New Haven County, had cleared. However, some congestion persisted in specific areas of Fairfield County. Commuters were advised to continue checking live traffic updates before traveling.
One remaining delay was reported in Stamford on I-95 Southbound, where traffic was congested between Exits 8 and 6, covering a distance of 1.9 miles. This was still active at 10:36 a.m. Another delay was noted in Greenwich on I-95 Northbound, between Exits 3 and 6, spanning 3.9 miles at 12:45 p.m.
These lingering issues highlighted the complex nature of managing traffic flow across the region, especially after a morning of widespread incidents. Authorities continued to monitor the situation and provide necessary updates to the public.
Impact of Weather Conditions
The traffic issues on Thursday coincided with unfavorable weather conditions across Connecticut. While the original report did not explicitly state the weather as the cause for all delays, severe storms, isolated tornado warnings, and flash flooding concerns were possible throughout the day. Adverse weather often contributes to increased traffic incidents and slower travel speeds.
Drivers are always encouraged to exercise caution during challenging weather. Reduced visibility and slick roads can make driving more hazardous, leading to minor accidents that then exacerbate existing traffic problems. The combination of high volume and poor weather can quickly create significant congestion.
For ongoing updates on regional traffic and travel alerts, residents can subscribe to local news services and check the official CT DOT website. Staying informed helps commuters plan their routes and manage their time effectively, especially during periods of high congestion or adverse conditions.
