Gold Star Memorial Bridge
Connecticut's longest bridge, the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, offers scenic river views and a pedestrian path, connecting New London and Groton.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer repairs, less traffic
Gold Star Memorial Bridge
Best Time
Fewer repairs, less traffic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Connecticut's longest bridge, the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, offers scenic river views and a pedestrian path, connecting New London and Groton.
"A vital, toll-free crossing with a pedestrian path, offering great river views despite frequent repairs."
🚗 Watch Your Speed
This bridge is a known speed trap. Be mindful of posted limits to avoid tickets. :police_car:
🚧 Expect Repairs
The bridge is frequently under repair, leading to lane closures. Plan for potential delays. :construction:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Thames River Crossing
Connecting New London and Groton, CT
Experience the longest bridge in Connecticut, a vital link over the scenic Thames River.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Path
Northbound Span
Enjoy a unique perspective of the river and surrounding areas from the dedicated path.
Twin Span Architecture
Over the Thames River
Marvel at the engineering of two distinct spans, a testament to decades of construction.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bridge Construction & Access
Navigating the Bridge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
NYC to Boston
🚗 Watch Your Speed
This bridge is a known speed trap. Be mindful of posted limits to avoid tickets. :police_car:
🚧 Expect Repairs
The bridge is frequently under repair, leading to lane closures. Plan for potential delays. :construction:
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Access
The northbound span offers a path for walking and cycling, providing great river views. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Tolls
Enjoy the crossing without any tolls for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Watch Your Speed
This bridge is a known speed trap. Be mindful of posted limits to avoid tickets. :police_car:
🚧 Expect Repairs
The bridge is frequently under repair, leading to lane closures. Plan for potential delays. :construction:
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Access
The northbound span offers a path for walking and cycling, providing great river views. :athletic_shoe:
🚫 No Tolls
Enjoy the crossing without any tolls for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a vital, toll-free crossing connecting New London and Groton, notable for its twin spans and the pedestrian path on the northbound side. While appreciated for its function and views, visitors should be aware of frequent repairs and its reputation as a speed trap.
"The Gold Star Memorial Bridge:
1. Construction Started and Opening Date: Construction started in 1941. The southbound span opened in 1943, and the northbound span was completed in 1973.
2. Connection: Connects New London and Groton, Connecticut, carrying Interstate 95 (I-95) and U.S. Route 1 over the Thames River.
3. Length: Approximately 6,000 feet (1,829 meters), making it the longest bridge in Connecticut.
4. Pedestrian Walkways: Yes, the northbound span includes a pedestrian and bicycle path.
5. Main Material: Steel.
6. Type of Bridge: Steel truss bridge (twin spans).
7. Owner and Fees: Owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). No toll for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists."
Wing Hatch
"It's cool how there are 2 bridges. One for the train and one for the cars. It's an interesting place."
Eileen Booker
"This bridge is a speed trap. Observe both CT State Troopers and New London PD on traffic infractions before crossing"
Daniel Petit-Frere
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is a major artery carrying Interstate 95 (I-95) and U.S. Route 1, connecting New London and Groton, Connecticut. It's easily accessible by car via these major highways.
While there isn't direct public transportation onto the bridge itself, local bus services in New London and Groton can get you to the vicinity, from where you might access the pedestrian path.
Yes, the northbound span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge features a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path, making it a popular route for cyclists.
If coming from the north or south, I-95 is the primary route. For local access, U.S. Route 1 also crosses the bridge and offers more scenic, albeit slower, travel.
Dedicated parking is not available directly on the bridge. However, there are public access points and parking areas in New London and Groton that allow access to the pedestrian walkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no toll for vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists crossing the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. It is owned and maintained by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
The Gold Star Memorial Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular traffic. The pedestrian and bicycle path on the northbound span generally follows daylight hours, though specific access times can vary.
No tickets are required to use the pedestrian and bicycle path on the northbound span of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. Access is free for all.
There are no entry fees associated with viewing the Gold Star Memorial Bridge. You can observe its structure from various points along the Thames River.
Vehicular traffic can access the bridge at any time. The pedestrian path is generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check local advisories for any specific restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
From the bridge, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Thames River, the cities of New London and Groton, and the surrounding coastal landscape. The pedestrian path offers a unique vantage point.
The northbound span has a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle path, which is generally considered safe. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and any ongoing construction.
For a unique experience, consider walking or cycling the pedestrian path on the northbound span. Driving across offers quick transit, but you miss the structural details and views.
While not extensively marked on the bridge itself, historical information about its construction and significance is available through local historical societies and the CTDOT.
Nearby activities include exploring New London's waterfront, visiting the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, or enjoying local parks and dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from waterfront parks in New London and Groton, or from the pedestrian path on the northbound span itself. Consider sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting.
Yes, the pedestrian walkway on the northbound span is an excellent place to take photos of the bridge's structure and the surrounding river and cityscape.
Generally, casual photography is permitted. However, professional photography or drone usage may require permits or adherence to specific regulations, especially concerning security.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday can be harsh, but the bridge's structure is clearly visible. Nighttime shots with city lights can also be striking.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the bridge. A telephoto lens can be good for details. A tripod is recommended for low-light or long-exposure shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴 Cyclists & Runners
🚗 Commuters & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: A Tale of Two Spans
Driving across the bridge, you might not immediately appreciate the intricate steelwork that lies beneath the roadway. The design emphasizes functionality and strength, supporting the heavy traffic of I-95 and US Route 1. The bridge's construction history, spanning over 30 years, highlights the long-term commitment to infrastructure development in the region. It's a vital link that has served commuters and travelers for generations.
For those interested in the structural details, the steel truss design is a classic example of bridge engineering. The absence of visible structural elements from above, as noted by some visitors, means the true complexity is appreciated from below or from the dedicated pedestrian path. This unique characteristic adds to its understated yet imposing presence over the Thames River.
Experiencing the Bridge: Beyond the Drive
Many visitors find walking or biking across the bridge to be a refreshing change from simply driving over it. It's an opportunity to pause, take in the views, and appreciate the engineering up close. The path is generally well-maintained, though it's always wise to be aware of potential ongoing repairs or maintenance work that might affect access or create temporary disruptions.
For cyclists, the bridge serves as a segment of longer routes, connecting coastal towns and offering a challenging yet rewarding ride. The lack of a toll makes it an accessible option for recreational users. Remember to be courteous to other users of the path and to adhere to any posted signage for safety.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit